Golden Nuggets: Checking every injury report with my fingers over my eyes

Barrows: 49ers vs. Rams: How Fred Warner became a master in the way of the fist (paywall)

Is the Warner Wallop something the 49ers linebacker worked on this offseason? Well, yes. But it's really a move he's been perfecting throughout his career, so much so that he said he no longer thinks about it as it's happening. Warner called it "muscle memory."

"It's kind of like a subconscious thing — when the moment feels right my body knows what to do," he said this week......His fellow linebackers said that punching the ball free isn't as simple as it looks because the target is moving so quickly and because it's easy to botch your primary assignment — making the tackle — while concentrating on striking the ball.

"A lot of guys you'll see punch and miss tackles," Curtis Robinson said. "He'll rarely ever miss tackles."

Five 49ers to watch in Week 3 NFC West showdown vs. Rams

"Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are out of the lineup due to injuries, so the 49ers must take advantage with sticky coverage on the back end. Floyd did not produce any pressure in Week 2 against Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. That has to change, as he will get ample opportunities to defeat one-on-one blocks with Nick Bosa attracting all the attention on the other side.

Floyd's career took a sharp upturn when he averaged nearly 10 sacks a season during his time with the Rams. Going against Los Angeles' makeshift offensive line, the 49ers' defensive line should have opportunities to feast."

Foerster reveals why 49ers need 'patience' in run game without CMC

"Foerster explained a major hurdle young running backs in this scheme face stems from cutting back too quickly on zone runs without properly pressing the designated landmarks set by the offensive line blocking in front of them.

"Mason had some problems early when he was getting carries," Foerster said. "One of the primary things in zone running is they want to take the ball and cut back too soon. It happened to all our guys in the game.

There's a reason you got to press the line of scrimmage. When you're zone running, when you're double teaming on the line of scrimmage, the runner has to keep pressing the double teams to bring those second-level defenders so you can zone to block them.

"If he cuts back too quick while we're double teaming, the linebacker just goes, 'Oh, I'm going to go make the play.' The runners tie completely together with the line. So if you don't press the line of scrimmage, or can't press the line of scrimmage because there's a whiff and somebody is in the backfield, immediately we can't block second-level defenders.........You can see their helmet stripe. When you watch the All-22, as soon as they get the ball, if they [turn their head] ... not if you're running outside zone. They're looking too soon. You got to press, and then that hole will appear. But if you see that helmet stripe go there, nine times out of 10 they don't go press where they should, and we can't get second-level defenders blocked."

Without Kittle, the 49ers likely will use fullback Kyle Juszczyk more heavily and also turn to backup tight ends Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges. Saubert's a blocking specialist, though he's been more heavily involved in the passing game than his predecessor at that spot, Charlie Woerner. Saubert, for example, has three pass targets so far; Woerner had three targets all of last season.

"I think Saubert has done a great job just coming in and doing his job well and knowing what our offense is, where his landmarks are supposed to be as a route runner," Purdy said Thursday. "(During the) two-minute drill (Sunday), he was right where he needed to be and caught a couple crucial catches and stuff. And he's got experience, he's played for a while now."

Tonges, meanwhile, would elevate to the role of No. 2 tight end if Kittle didn't play. He's more of a receiver than blocker but has just two offensive snaps so far this season. The 49ers also could elevate tight end Brayden Willis from the practice squad. Another practice squad tight end, rookie Mason Pline, is more of a developmental player at this point.

"If Kittle is inactive, he will be replaced by Eric Saubert, 30, an eight-year veteran with 38 career receptions who was signed in April. Saubert would be backed up by Jake Tonges, a 2022 undrafted free agent from Cal who does not have a reception in his NFL career."