Four 49ers to Be Thankful For

Up front, future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams gets most of the attention among the 49ers’ offensive linemen. Coaches and analysts have long recognized his importance in protecting quarterback Brock Purdy’s blind side. He has handled that job admirably, but he is only one part of the quintet that keeps the 49ers’ offense functioning. His relentless blocking gives Purdy time to throw and running back Christian McCaffrey room to run.

Second-year right guard Dominick Puni has made massive strides this season. He has not missed a game while playing through a PCL injury in his knee. The 49ers averaged just 82.2 rushing yards per game over the first six weeks when Puni was not fully healthy. In recent weeks, they have averaged 110 rushing yards per game — a sizable increase that reflects the difference a healthy Puni makes in the run game.

His development bodes well for the team’s future and reflects how valuable Williams’ mentorship has been for the younger offensive linemen.

George Kittle — Passionate Leader and Reliable Target

Tight end George Kittle is a one-of-a-kind person and player. Teammates and coaches praise him for his personality, energy, and genuine love for football on and off the field. That passion shows in the effort he brings every week. Kittle’s presence gives McCaffrey an extra blocker up front and Purdy a reliable target over the middle and down the seams. While he may not put up the same receiving numbers as Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Kittle remains one of the best all-around tight ends in the league.

The 49ers will need every bit of his contributions down the stretch if they hope to chase down the Los Angeles Rams and/or Seattle Seahawks in the tightly contested NFC West.

Mac Jones — A 49ers Player to Be Thankful For

Where would this team be without quarterback Mac Jones, who played above-average football during his nine starts in relief of the injured Purdy? In those nine games, Jones threw for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns, teaming with McCaffrey to lead the 49ers to a 6–3 record in that span. He had only two games with fewer than 200 passing yards and no passing touchdowns — an impressive feat for someone discarded by the New England Patriots in their search for Tom Brady’s successor. His performance was even more notable considering he played without Kittle, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, and several other injured pass-catchers in multiple matchups.

The Coaching Staff — Keeping the Team on Track

Many teams would have crumbled under the massive injury bug that hit the 49ers this season. Yet, San Francisco has a winning record and remains in the playoff hunt thanks in large part to the steady leadership and strong coaching from Shanahan, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, and their staff.

The 49ers have stayed afloat by keeping backup players ready and preventing the season from unraveling. The staff’s experience dealing with last year’s injury issues has clearly helped — even if McCaffrey, the one player the team truly cannot afford to lose, was the most significant absence in 2024.

The 49ers first have a tough Monday night matchup against the vastly improved Carolina Panthers. After that, they can use Thanksgiving week to regroup and prepare for the final five games of the regular season.