49ers vs. Packers: Live Updates and Analysis
SANTA CLARA -- This is the live blog for the San Francisco 49ers Week 9 Thursday night game against the Green Bay Packers. I will update this frequently with information and analysis from the press box.
3:30 The 49ers activated tight end Jordan Reed off Injured Reserve Thursday afternoon. Quarterback Nick Mullens has a quarterback rating of 121 when targeting Reed this season -- those two had instant chemistry. Look for Mullens to throw Reed lots of passes tonight even thought Reed has missed the past five games.
3:31 The 49ers also activated the following players off the practice squad:
Wide receiver Kevin White
Wide receiver River Cracraft
Running back Austin Walter
Tight end Daniel Helm
Guard Tony Bergstrom
Safety Johnathan Cyprien
3:31 Considering how depleted the 49ers are at wide receiver, it's possible both White and Cracraft will play against the Packers. We'll know more when the 49ers release their inactives at 3:50.
3:32 Another stat to keep in mind: when targeting tight end Ross Dwelley this season, Mullens has a quarterback rating of 127. Which means Mullens has two tight ends he trusts who perform well for him. Dwelley is a good player who never gets a pass from Jimmy Garoppolo, but Mullens looks his way frequently. The 49ers won't need to force passes to backup wide receivers to move the ball through the air.
3:33 Curious to see if the 49ers activate Austin Walter. I liked what I saw from him during last year's preseason, and he can't be worse than Jerick McKinnon, whom people used to call "Jet" because he was fast, but now he's more like a tugboat. Good slot receiver though.
3:53 Here are the 49ers inactives:
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon
Running back Tevin Coleman
Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
3:54 Here are the Packers inactives:
Quarterback Jordan Love
Cornerback Kevin King
Safety Will Redmond
Safety Vernon Scott
Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari
Defensive lineman Billy Winn
5:18 The 49ers win the toss and defer. The Packers will receive the opening kickoff.
FIRST QUARTER
5:25 On second and 8 from the 49ers 36, Emmanuel Moseley gives up a deep touchdown catch to Davante Adams. The 49ers were in Cover 3 (zone), Moseley was in perfect position, but he panicked at the catch point and got beaten. The officials are reviewing the play.
5:28 Ruling stands.
49ers 0, Packers 7.
5:34 On third and 4 from the 49ers 37, Nick Mullens completes a three-yard pass to Jordan Reed, and the 49ers go three and out. Kyle Shanahan called three-straight passes to start this game, meaning he's coaching to lose. The Packers take over at their 20 after the punt.
5:41 On third and 5 from the Packers 47, Moseley breaks up a deep pass intended for Adams. Way to bounce back for Moseley, who's so tough-minded.
5:53 On third and goal from the 4, Nick Mullens throws a touchdown pass to River Cracraft. The play is under review.
5:55 The officials reverse their ruling. They determined Cracraft dropped the ball. Still a great throw from Mullens.
5:57 Robbie Gould makes a 22-yard field goal.
49ers 3, Packers 7.
SECOND QUARTER
6:03 On third and 4 from the Packers 31, Marquez Valdes-Scantling drops a pass, and the Packers go three and out. The 49ers take over at their 25 after a fair catch by Trent Taylor.
6:09 On third and 16, Justin Skule gets beat by Preston Smith, who hits Nick Mullens as he throws. The pass gets picked and returned to the 49ers 38.
6:24 On first and goal from the 1, Jaquiski Tartt takes his eyes off his man and lets tight end Marcedes Lewis make a wide-open touch down catch. The Niners don't seem to have much fight left.
49ers 3, Packers 14.
6:29 On third and 6 from the 49ers 29, Mullens almost throws another pick, and the 49ers go three and out. The Packers take over at their 13 after the punt.
6:43 On first and 10 from the Packers 48, Marcell Harris gives up a wide-open touchdown catch to Valdes-Scantling. How many safeties have to give up touchdown catches before the 49ers give Tarvarius Moore a chance to play?
49ers 3, Packers 21.
6:48 On third and five, Richie James Jr. drops a pass, and the 49ers go three and out.
6:49 Jordan Willis sacks Aaron Rodgers on the final play of the first half. The 49ers will get the ball to start the second half.
7:01 Jaquiski Tartt has a foot injury, and K'Waun Williams has an ankle injury. Their returns are questionable.
7:07 On third and 5 at the 49ers 43, Mullens throws an incomplete pass intended for Trent Taylor. The Packers take over at their 20 after the touchback.
7:17 On third and goal from the 1, Verrett gets beat by Valdes-Scantling for a touchdown. Verrett also gave up a 49-yard catch to Adams earlier in the drive.
49ers 3, Packers 28.
7:23 On first and 10 from the 49ers 40, Za'Darius Smith beats Justin Skule for the millionth time in this game, sacks Mullens, forces the fumble and recovers at the 49ers 47.
7:34 On third and goal from the 1, Arik Armstead chases Rodgers out of the pocket and Rodgers throws the ball away. The Packers make a short field goal.
49ers 3, Packers 31.
FOURTH QUARTER
On fourth and 1 from the Packers 5, Nick Mullens sneaks for zero yards. The 49ers turn it over on downs.
7:58 Mason Crosby makes a 53-yard field goal.
49ers 3, Packers 34.
8:05 On the first play of the drive, Mullens completes a 36-yard pass to Ross Dwelley up the seam. Two plays later, Mullens throws a 44-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Richie James Jr.
49ers 10, Packers 34.
8:10 The Packers run three times and go three and out. The 49ers will get one more drive.
8:19 On third and goal from the 1, Jerick McKinnon runs up the middle for a touchdown.
49ers 17, Packers 34.
