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The San Francisco 49ers will try to string two wins together for the first time this season on Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif.
The 49ers (2-2) used a strong defensive performance to stop a two-game slide with a 30-13 victory over the New England Patriots last Sunday.
Arizona (1-3) played its past three games at home, following up a decisive victory over the Los Angeles Rams with losses to the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders.
The setback to the Commanders was a 42-14 rout at the hands of former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who now is Washington’s offensive coordinator.
“I told (the team), ‘You have a game like that and you think you’ve got to blow it all up, tear it all down and we’re so far away. We’re really not,'” Arizona second-year coach Jonathan Gannon said earlier this week. “We’re close but not there yet with how the last game went.”
Gannon mentioned two areas the Cardinals must correct: their third-down conversion attempts and stopping opponents on their third-down tries.
The Lions converted 50 percent of their third-down situations (6 for 12) in a 20-13 win over Arizona.
The Cardinals then allowed the Commanders a 75 percent success rate (9 for 12) on third down.
Arizona’s offense, conversely, went 1 for 9 (11.1 percent) on third-down attempts against the Lions and 4 for 11 (36.4 percent) versus the Commanders.
“I know that any offense — in Pop Warner to the NFL — has a better chance converting when it’s third-and-manageable, so we have to do a better job there,” Gannon said.
The promising news for the Cardinals is the 49ers’ defense is allowing the seventh-highest third-down conversion rate in the league at 46.0 percent.
Another encouraging development is rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. reeling in 14 receptions for 239 yards and four touchdowns over the past three weeks.
The 49ers got good news on the injury front when tight end George Kittle (ribs) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) returned for limited practice participation on Friday after sitting out the previous two days. Both were listed as questionable for Sunday, alongside wide receiver Jacob Cowing (shoulder), cornerback Isaac Yiadom (thigh) and defensive lineman Kalia Davis (knee).
Davis finally might play for the 49ers this week after the team opened the practice window Wednesday for the 2022 sixth-round draft pick.
Davis sustained a knee injury that required surgery in the preseason opener at the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 10.
Defensive lineman Nick Bosa said the possibility of Davis playing against the Cardinals is “huge,” especially after the news of the 49ers likely not having defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (partially torn triceps) the rest of the season.
“We needed a little help with depth,” Bosa said of the defensive line. “Hopefully, (Davis) works in slow, but I think if his body is in good shape, then we already know what he can do as a player.”
San Francisco ruled out two players for the game: defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf).
The 49ers’ defensive line was a significant factor in the win over New England.
Givens recorded 2.5 sacks, Maliek Collins added 1.5, and Evan Anderson and Bosa each had one.
“I thought the defense as a whole, and especially the D-line, really rose to the occasion for that game,” San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said.
The Cardinals will be without guard Isaiah Adams (thumb) and cornerback Garrett Williams (groin). Veteran kicker Matt Prater, who missed two days of practice this week due to a knee injury, was listed as questionable, as were tackles Christian Jones (ankle) and Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (knee).
–Field Level Media
The New York Giants had a couple of extra days to prepare for their Sunday road game against the Seattle Seahawks.
But that still will not be enough for Malik Nabers.
The rookie, who leads the NFL in receptions, missed practice this week because of a concussion sustained late in a 20-15 loss against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 26. He was ruled out for the Seahawks game Friday afternoon.
Nabers had a career-high 12 catches for 115 yards before being hurt.
Through four games, Nabers has 35 receptions — five more than Houston’s Nico Collins. Nabers also is second in the league with 386 receiving yards and tied for third with three touchdown catches.
“There’s no doubt he’s been a big part of our offense so far and someone who we’ve counted on in a lot of spots,” Giants quarterback Daniel Jones said. “So, it’ll change a little bit. But the guys we got out there, we have a lot of confidence in them winning their matchups and getting open. I know we’ll play well.”
The Giants (1-3) could use all their weapons against a banged-up Seattle defense that was without five injured starters — and lost a sixth during the first half, safety Julian Love (quad contusion) — in a 42-29 loss Monday night at Detroit.
Wan’Dale Robinson, who is second on the Giants in receptions with 26, was limited in practice all week with a heel injury but carries no game designation. However, starting running back Devin Singletary (groin) is doubtful and cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Adoree’ Jackson are questionable with calf injuries. Linebacker Matthew Adams (quad) is also questionable.
Second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt could see a bigger role with Nabers and Robinson ailing.
“I think we got a lot of guys who can make plays,” Jones said. “… We’re confident in all our guys.”
The NFC West-leading Seahawks (3-1) couldn’t keep up with Detroit despite a big night from quarterback Geno Smith. The veteran broke a franchise record for pass attempts (56), had the second-most completions in a game (38) and set a career high with 395 yards passing.
“I have no problem with (coach Mike Macdonald) putting the game in my hand. I’m actually hoping for that every time I go out there, and so, whenever that’s the situation, I just got to do what I got to do to make the right plays,” Smith said.
Kenneth Walker III overcame a slow first half to rush for 80 yards and three TDs on 12 carries and DK Metcalf added seven receptions for 104 yards.
But Macdonald’s defense allowed the Lions’ Jared Goff to go 18-of-18 passing, the most attempts without an incompletion in NFL history. Goff also made a TD reception.
“We have time to grow as a football team, we have a short week, we have to have a sense of urgency about it, and we need to take the next step,” Macdonald said. “But (Monday) just wasn’t good enough, especially on the defensive side of the ball. So, we’ve got to make it right and move forward.”
The Seahawks’ defense will be healthier than it was Monday. The only players ruled out were defensive tackles Byron Murphy II (hamstring) and Cameron Young (knee). Love is questionable, along with linebacker Boye Mafe (knee), but defensive tackle Leonard Williams (ribs) and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee) will be able to return.
–Field Level Media
Quarterback Dak Prescott was midway through his 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign the last time Dallas played in Pittsburgh.
A once-classic rivalry that includes three Super Bowl showdowns renews in prime time in Week 5 as the Cowboys (2-2) visit the Steelers (3-1) on “Sunday Night Football.”
Prescott’s 35-30 victory eight years ago, which was part of an 11-game Dallas winning streak, is the only time he has faced Pittsburgh until now.
Prescott returns to the Steel City at age 31 as the NFL’s highest-paid player, directing an offense with the league’s worst rushing attack (75.3 yards per game) and no serious receiving threats beyond All-Pro CeeDee Lamb.
“I got a lot of respect for Dak Prescott,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said this week. “He’s got a steady demeanor, man. He utilizes his quarterback mobility in a very prudent way. He extends plays, he’ll run if given the opportunity. He’s got a real rapport obviously. … His work with CeeDee Lamb is real impressive.”
The Cowboys have had a few extra days of rest — and need it — since leveling their record with a 20-15 Thursday night road win over the New York Giants in Week 4. Prescott posted his highest passer rating of the season (125.5) and threw touchdown passes to Lamb and running back Rico Dowdle.
Tomlin also had positive things to say about his own quarterback, Justin Fields, who remains the starter as Russell Wilson recovers from a calf injury. Wilson is officially questionable for the game.
The Steelers are coming off their first loss of the season, falling 27-24 at Indianapolis last weekend despite Fields throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 55 yards and two scores. Pittsburgh had a chance to drive for a tying field goal late but came up short.
“I didn’t feel any blinking,” Tomlin said of Fields’ effort. “Justin, we’ve talked about his steady demeanor in recent weeks in terms of the things that I’ve grown to know and understand about him. I think it’s really on display in moments like that.”
Fields won’t have to worry about Dallas pass rushers Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (injured reserve) on Sunday.
“It’s definitely the unfortunate part of our game,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said of the injuries to two of his top defenders. “It takes a lot of players to win in this league, week in and week out. It creates a great opportunity for others. That’s really our approach.
“At the end of the day, it’s our job as coaches to make sure we got a heck of a game plan for our players to go to Pittsburgh and get the win.”
It’s possible the back end of the Cowboys’ pass defense will take a hit, too. Cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) was limited all week and is questionable, as is Trevon Diggs. Diggs (ankle) did not practice on Friday.
Fields has faced the Cowboys once before while with the Chicago Bears, completing 17 of 23 passes for 151 yards, two TDs and no picks in a 49-29 road loss on Oct. 30, 2022. He rushed eight times for 60 yards and a score and posted the third-highest passer rating (120.0) of his career to date.
Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) is on target for his season debut Sunday. Running back Jaylen Warren (knee), linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) are out.
Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks developed an infection following a procedure on his right knee and was declared out earlier in the week.
–Field Level Media
Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce isn’t paying any attention to outside noise as he tries to get his team ready for a meeting with the host Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Multiple media outlets reported Tuesday that star wide receiver Davante Adams told the Raiders (2-2) that he wants to be traded. Adams will be sidelined again on Sunday due to a hamstring injury that kept him out of Las Vegas’ 20-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns last week.
Pierce added another layer to the situation when he liked an Instagram post that said it wouldn’t be surprising if Adams’ days in Las Vegas were over. Whether Pierce meant to give out the like is unknown. When asked about it, all he said was, “Yeah, I’m focused on Denver.”
Pierce added of the contest against the Broncos (2-2), “That’s my only focus. I get paid here to get ready each and every week for the opponent. I don’t blink. I don’t flinch. I’ve said it before: I’ve been through enough in my life with adversity and stuff that it doesn’t bother me. I just move forward.
“The next obstacle in front of me is the Denver Broncos, and that’s what I presented to my team.”
Denver poses quite the obstacle, boasting one of the best defenses in the league through the first four weeks of the season. The Broncos allow the third-fewest points per game (13.8) and third-fewest passing yards per game (146.0), which could spell trouble for an Adams-less Raiders offense.
One player who could see an expanded role for Las Vegas is rookie tight end Brock Bowers. While he has yet to find the end zone, the first-round pick out of Georgia is second among all tight ends in receptions (20) and receiving yards (216). He is coming off his quietest game as a pro, as he caught only two balls for 19 yards against the Browns.
With the help of its defense, Denver will try to snap an eight-game losing streak against Las Vegas that dates back to 2020. It’s a skid that doesn’t intimidate Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton.
“We’ve got a big game Sunday,” Sutton said. “The most important game is the one we’re about to get ready to go play. Whatever happened in the past is the past. The thing we can focus on is this team we have right now and the team we’re about to go play this year.”
Sutton hauled in three catches for 60 yards and was responsible for the only touchdown scored by either side in Denver’s 10-9 win over the New York Jets last Sunday.
Denver rookie Bo Nix completed 12 of 25 passes for 60 yards and the score — his first career touchdown pass — against the Jets, and he is looking forward to his first taste of the rivalry between the Broncos and Raiders.
“I don’t think you really truly understand it, I think, until you play in your first one,” Nix said. “I’m excited to play Sunday. I know it’s important for this organization.”
Las Vegas enters the game short-handed, as six players were ruled out on Friday due to injuries. The players unavailable on Sunday include Adams, running back Zamir White (groin), right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (knee, ankle), linebacker Luke Masterson (knee), safety Trey Taylor (knee) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring).
In addition, Raiders tight end Michael Mayer will be absent due to personal reasons for a second straight week. Defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) was listed as questionable.
Broncos running back Tyler Badie, who won’t play Sunday due to a back injury, was the only Denver player to miss practice on Friday.
–Field Level Media
Sam Darnold did not want to create any controversy.
The 27-year-old quarterback — who has led the Minnesota Vikings to a 4-0 start and is playing the best football of his career — was asked this week whether he thought that the New York Jets had failed him as a young quarterback. The question was timely because Darnold and the Vikings (4-0) will face the Jets (2-2) on Sunday in London.
“I had a lot of opportunities in New York,” Darnold said, “and I always felt like I could’ve played better there.”
Six years after the Jets drafted Darnold at No. 3 overall out of USC, the strong-armed signal-caller has found his footing. He has thrown for 932 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions in his first four games with Minnesota. His touchdown total and passer rating (118.9) lead the league heading into Week 5.
A showdown against his former team will not inspire any ill will from Darnold.
“I’m not really thinking about that, to be honest,” Darnold said. “A lot of new faces over there. Still know a few players. I’m sure before the game, maybe after the game, (I’ll see) some of the people that I’ve built really good relationships with. That’s always the fun part about this league, being able to see people that you’ve worked with in the past.
“That’ll be good to see those guys, but other than that, (it’s a) pretty new defense since I’ve been there and a lot of new players.”
The list of new players starts with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is in his second season with the Jets after spending 18 seasons with one of the Vikings’ biggest rivals in Green Bay.
This is set to be Rodgers’ 30th career game against Minnesota. He is 17-11-1 against the Vikings all time with 7,157 yards, 57 touchdown passes and eight picks in those 29 games.
The 40-year-old has had mixed results so far this season. He has thrown for 849 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, but his team has struggled to find consistency on offense.
Rodgers is expected to play Sunday after he was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury. He was a full participant on Thursday and Friday.
If Rodgers is still sore, however, that could prompt the Jets to turn more toward Breece Hall and their running game. Hall has rushed for 174 yards and two touchdowns on the season, while rookie teammate Braelon Allen has rushed for 130 yards and one score.
New York will be without right tackle Morgan Moses, who is expected to miss 1-3 more weeks with a sprained MCL he sustained in Week 3. Linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) and defensive lineman Leki Fotu (hamstring) are both doubtful.
T.J. Hockenson is Minnesota’s only player who will miss Sunday’s game. The tight end was limited on Friday in his first practice since suffering a torn ACL on Dec. 24, 2023. Friday marked the start of Hockenson’s 21-day evaluation window.
The Vikings’ ground game is led by Rodgers’ old teammate in Green Bay, Aaron Jones, who has rushed for 321 yards and a touchdown to go with 143 yards receiving with a score. Justin Jefferson is the top threat in the passing game with 20 catches for 358 yards and four scores in four games.
Patrick Jones II (five sacks) and Jonathan Greenard (four) lead the Vikings’ defense.
The Jets’ pass rush is led by Will McDonald IV (five sacks), while Solomon Thomas and Michael Clemons are tied for second with 1.5 each.
The game will be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London. The Vikings will serve as the host team.
The Vikings are 3-0 in London in their team history. They won in 2013, 2017 and most recently in 2022 when they held off the New Orleans Saints for a 28-25 victory.
The Jets are 1-1 in London. They beat the Miami Dolphins in 2015 and lost to the Atlanta Falcons in 2021.
–Field Level Media
The Buffalo Bills’ trip to face the Houston Texans on Sunday is arguably the marquee early game on the NFL schedule for Week 5.
Add in the opportunity for Stefon Diggs to get back at his most recent employer, and this one carries a level of intrigue that will make even casual fans want to tune in.
Diggs played from 2020-23 for Buffalo, tallying at least 103 receptions in all four seasons and catching a total of 37 touchdown passes. However, when the offense became more run-oriented late last year following the firing of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, Diggs made noises about his reduced role.
The Bills traded him along with two late-round picks to Houston on April 3 for a second-round pick in next year’s draft. They also swallowed $31 million of dead salary-cap money in the trade, the most a team has taken on to move a wide receiver.
So far, Diggs has 25 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score, providing second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud with a veteran target and taking pressure off younger receivers such as Nico Collins. With Diggs attracting extra attention from opponents, Collins leads the league with 489 receiving yards.
“What makes Diggs a good fit is, first, he’s a smart player,” second-year Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He can play multiple positions, so we’re able to move him around a lot to try to get him in favorable matchups.
“And he has some of the best hands that I’ve seen. He does a good job catching the ball, but just his ability to play multiple spots for us really opens the playbook up.”
Diggs caught five passes for 69 yards last week as the Texans (3-1) topped Jacksonville 24-20, enabling them to stay atop the AFC South by a game over the Indianapolis Colts.
Meanwhile, Diggs’ old team wore its first loss last week, getting routed 35-10 in Baltimore as Derrick Henry turned back the clock to his Tennessee Titans prime for 199 yards on 24 carries with two total touchdowns. Buffalo (3-1) was outrushed 271 yards to 81.
It was a striking result for the AFC’s highest-scoring offense (30.5 points per game), as the Bills managed only 236 total yards (to the Ravens’ 427) and picked up only 12 first downs to Baltimore’s 22.
The Bills’ defense also took a hit off the field Wednesday when linebacker Von Miller drew a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The active leader among NFL players in sacks with 126.5, Miller is tied for the team lead this season with three.
“The job is to move forward, right? I’ve really been proud of the way the guys have stepped up,” Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said. “They’ve had to deal with quite a few situations, injuries, now in this case the suspension with Von. So I expect the same, quite honestly.”
One thing that could help offset Miller’s absence would be the presence of Terrel Bernard on the field. Buffalo’s starting middle linebacker was out the past two games with a pectoral injury but returned to practice on a limited basis this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday.
The Bills’ leading receiver Khalil Shakir (18 catches, 230 yards, two touchdowns) as well as defensive tackles Ed Oliver and Austin Johnson and safety Taylor Rapp have been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Shakir (ankle), Johnson (oblique) and Rapp (concussion protocol) did not practice all week after sustaining their respective injuries in the loss to the Ravens. Oliver, however, sustained a hamstring injury during practice on Thursday.
The Texans have ruled out running back Joe Mixon (ankle) as well as defensive ends Derek Barnett (shoulder) and Jerry Hughes (hip). Running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring), who has played in only one game this season, was among six Houston players listed as questionable.
In better news, receiver Tank Dell, who missed last Sunday’s victory over the Jaguars because of bruised ribs, was a limited participant in practices Wednesday and Thursday. Dell practiced in full on Friday and was not given a designation.
The teams have split 10 regular-season meetings. Buffalo took a 40-0 win in the clubs’ last matchup three years ago in Orchard Park, N.Y.
–Field Level Media