Chiefs chasing sixth straight win over Chargers as Jim Harbaugh enters picture

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are nemeses to many in the NFL based on the Chiefs’ track record of success approaching historic levels. Count the Chargers among the division rivals failing to live up to their end of the rivalry in recent years.

When they meet Sunday at Los Angeles, Kansas City (3-0) seeks a sixth consecutive win over the Chargers (2-1) as the home team introduces first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh to what has become a one-sided AFC West fight with Reid and Mahomes. Turning the tables won’t be easy.

“Multiple challenges,” Harbaugh said of facing the Chiefs before Los Angeles enters its bye week. “Really good run game, really good throwing game, explosive offense. I think everybody understands the challenge of playing a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes in every way. His ability to move the ball with his legs, with his arm, within the offense is elite.”

Modest statistical production to date is becoming a hot topic outside of the Chiefs’ locker room. Kansas City is 14th in the NFL in total offense (328 yards per game) and the usual lead receiver, perennial Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce, is off to an admittedly slow start with eight receptions for 69 yards and no touchdowns in three games.

He’s one reception from tying Tony Gonzalez for the franchise record with 916 catches, and Kelce’s next TD catch from Mahomes would break a tie on the NFL’s all-time list with Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham of the Saints for third-most QB-TE touchdown connections. But Reid said the narrative of Kelce being “old” or “distracted” is false.

“Defenses don’t think that,” Reid said. “We have another receiver who plays opposite him that has a lot of yards and catches. That’s how this thing goes. Travis is fine. He’s being Trav. He works his tail off. He hasn’t lost a step and all those things. He’s not distracted. People are making sure they have him taking care of these defenses.”

Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is working through an ankle injury while starring as Mahomes’ featured target in September with an NFL-high 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 659 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions through three games.

The Chargers present a hefty challenge with a defense ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense (11 points per game, third), yards per game (267, sixth), run defense (91.7 per game, sixth) and pass defense (175.3 per game, 10th).

“It’s a physical football team, both sides of the ball,” said Reid, who has a record of 17-5 against the Chargers since taking over the Chiefs in 2013. “You’ve got to be ready for a complete game. Their defenses are going to give you a variety of looks. One of the top defenses in the NFL right now.”

Mahomes will look across the line at a defense with a few missing pieces. Pass rusher Joey Bosa (hip) and linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring) are both out, and safety Derwin James Jr. was suspended for Week 4 after being penalized for unnecessary roughness at Pittsburgh.

“He genuinely cares and does not want to hurt anybody,” Harbaugh said of James’ one-game ban from the NFL. “He wants to do it the way the league wants it done and the evidence is there.”

Elijah Molden, A.J. Finley or Tony Jefferson will get the start — along with Alohi Gilman — at safety against the Chiefs. Jefferson, a 10-year veteran, was signed off the practice squad on Thursday.

“It will be next-man-up mentality,” Harbaugh said.

Los Angeles has even more injury concerns on offense.

Quarterback Justin Herbert is questionable as he continues to battle a high-ankle sprain he aggravated during the Chargers’ 20-10 loss vs. the Steelers last Sunday. Herbert was a limited participant in practice Friday for the third consecutive day, but multiple reports Saturday said he is expected to play through the injury and start on Sunday.

“(Herbert) said he felt better today than he did last Friday,” Harbaugh told The Athletic after Friday’s practice.

Harbaugh added that Herbert did “more” during practice this week than he did last week.

Taylor Heinicke (29 career starts) went 2-for-2 for 24 yards passing in relief of Herbert last Sunday. Easton Stick (four starts) is also an option if Herbert can’t go.

Whoever takes the snaps for Los Angeles on Sunday will direct the offense without starting left tackle Rashawn Slater, who is out with a pectoral injury. Rookie right tackle Joe Alt was downgraded from questionable to doubtful with a sprained MCL.

Wide receiver Derius Davis and defensive back Deane Leonard are questionable with hamstring issues, while cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee) and defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula) are also questionable.

Harbaugh knows the Chiefs have owned the recent series with the Chargers, building a stockpile of AFC West division titles that stands at eight in a row. With Sunday’s game on their home turf, the Chargers are hearing a lot about the importance of meeting the challenge the conference bully and two-time defending Super Bowl champion presents.

“In terms of opportunity, it’s how it feels,” Harbaugh said. “And we’re attacking it as such.”

The Chargers outscored the Raiders and host Panthers 48-13 before dropping their first game this season in Pittsburgh.

The Chiefs return to Kansas City for their third primetime game of the season to face the Saints (2-1) on “Monday Night Football” in Week 5 before a bye week.

Kansas City will be without Michael Danna on Sunday after the defensive end appeared on Thursday’s injury report with a calf injury. Danna was limited in practice Friday.

–Field Level Media

Will Levis, winless Titans draw Dolphins in possible ‘Snoop’ spot start

Quarterback Will Levis’ most memorable moment of his brief NFL career occurred last season during a Monday night road game against the Miami Dolphins.

Levis will be seeking a repeat performance in the same setting on the same night of the week when the winless Tennessee Titans battle the Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Tennessee scored 15 points in 51 seconds last December to turn a 14-point deficit into a stunning 28-27 victory over the Dolphins. Levis, then a rookie, passed for a career-high 327 yards.

“It was a lot of fun,” Levis said of the comeback win. “But different team, different season for both of us. Any time you play on Monday night, the whole world is watching, and it gives a little bit of extra excitement, so we’ve got that. That was a good win for us, and we’re just hoping to go get another win down there at a point of the season where we really need one.”

The Titans (0-3) haven’t looked too stout this season while being outscored 78-48.

The Dolphins (1-2) have different issues after standout quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. He is on injured reserve and the earliest he can return is Oct. 27 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Skylar Thompson started last week’s 24-3 road loss against the Seattle Seahawks and completed 13 of 19 passes for 107 yards and was sacked five times before exiting with a rib injury in the third quarter. Tim Boyle was 7 of 13 for 79 yards and sacked once as Miami finished with just 205 yards of total offense.

Thompson was again limited in practice Friday and Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Thompson’s rib injury is “pretty painful.”

The Dolphins appear to be deciding between starting Boyle and Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, who was just signed on Sept. 16.

Huntley is getting up to speed with McDaniel’s offense. McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier will be watching his practice performances closely.

“We targeted him for a reason,” McDaniel said Thursday of Huntley, who spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. “And it’s a player that we’re very familiar with from the opponent’s standpoint.”

The experience factor — Huntley has made 10 NFL starts, including one in the postseason — could have McDaniel leaning toward Huntley over Boyle.

“I have in my mind what I think, how it could play out,” McDaniel said. “However, it’s a little premature for a multitude of reasons. And the very last being the competitive advantage.”

Miami ranks last in the NFL with a scoring average of 11 points per game. It hasn’t scored a touchdown in its last seven quarters and has been outscored 55-13 during its two-game skid. Star wideout Tyreek Hill has just six catches for 64 yards and no scores in the two setbacks. He didn’t practice on Friday, but the Dolphins cited rest as the reason.

Hill said the Dolphins are ready for the spotlight showdown with the Titans no matter who starts at quarterback.

“Very confident. We have a heck of a coaching staff who’s able to put together a crazy gameplan,” Hill said Friday. “It’s going to be a crazy game Monday night.”

Hill began watching film of Huntley when he joined the team.

“I seen it. This dude can make every throw,” Hill said. “This dude is special with his legs. He’s a special talent, man.”

The Titans are 28th in scoring (16.0) and 29th in total offense (260.3 yards per game). Levis shares the NFL lead with eight individual turnovers (five interceptions, three lost fumbles). He has thrown four touchdown passes.

Veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins believes Levis will work through turnover issues.

“I wouldn’t want anyone else out there on the field the way he prepares and goes about his day,” Hopkins said. “I think he’s going to learn from his mistakes. He hasn’t even played a full season. It’s going to come with time.”

Levis is 3-9 as a starter entering Monday’s contest.

Tennessee will be without cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (groin) for at least four games after he was placed on injured reserve on Friday. He was hurt in last Sunday’s 30-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Standout defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (elbow) missed practice Friday for the second straight day.

For Miami, McDaniel said that left tackle Terron Armstead and cornerback Kendall Fuller both remain in concussion protocol. Linebacker David Long and cornerback Siran Neal missed Thursday’s practice with hamstring injuries but Siran returned on a limited basis on Friday.

–Field Level Media

Health concerns hit as Raiders, Browns eye improved QB play

When the Cleveland Browns go on the road to meet the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, a pair of starting quarterbacks return to their posts after Week 3 performances opened the door for doubt.

Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew was benched for the final drive in a 36-22 home loss to the Carolina Panthers after throwing an interception in the fourth quarter. Aidan O’Connell took over and orchestrated a late 13-play, 70-yard touchdown drive.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is down three starting offensive linemen this week. Cleveland’s revamped offense is limping to Las Vegas. Watson absorbed eight sacks during a 21-15 loss to the visiting New York Giants last week.

While Watson came out of the game fine physically, although the rough afternoon could bring about trust issues.

At the outset Sunday, it’s Minshew and the Raiders (1-2) against Watson and the Browns (1-2). Who else takes the field is up in the air.

“There’s no issue. Gardner Minshew is the quarterback,” Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said this week.

Yet, it isn’t as if the Raiders are issue free. The Panthers handled the Raiders’ offensive and defensive lines in Week 3, with a frustrated Pierce saying afterward, when asked about the team’s effort: “… There were definitely some players that made business decisions.”

Top wide receiver Davante Adams (tied for the team lead with 18 receptions) was ruled out with a hamstring injury. The Raiders’ top defensive playmaker, pass rusher Maxx Crosby, is also out due to a left ankle injury that bothered him since Week 2.

The Raiders gave up 437 yards, including 306 passing, and allowed four touchdowns to a Carolina that was in the midst of a change from Bryce Young to Andy Dalton at quarterback. Crosby played well on a high ankle sprain, but his teammates failed to follow his lead. This week, they’ll need a new energizer to emerge.

“At 80 percent, (Crosby is) a lot better than any defensive end in the National Football League,” said Pierce.

Adams started the first three games and has 18 receptions for 209 yards and one touchdown. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers, the team’s co-leader in receptions, could become the primary target this week.

There is already a large target on Watson’s back.

With the offensive line in flux all around him, the Browns are on the road without Pro Bowl right guard Wyatt Teller (knee), starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and right tackle Jack Conklin. Conklin was “close” to making his 2024 debut but had what coach Kevin Stefanski said was a “minor setback” with a hamstring injury.

Watson went 21 of 37 for 196 yards with two touchdowns in the loss to the Giants as the Browns finished with just 217 total yards. Watson’s eight sacks cost Cleveland 48 yards, while the Browns also lost two fumbles. He has been sacked an NFL-worst 16 times and pressured more than any quarterback in the league (42) this season.

“When you’re talking about protection, it’s everybody,” Stefanski said. “… Everybody has a job to do in order to keep the quarterback clean. So, I got to do my part (as coach). It’s no secret we can’t let him get hit that many times. That’s not good enough and that will get fixed.”

The Browns are 31st in the 32-team NFL in total offense at 248.0 yards per game and 30th in passing at 152.3 yards per game. They have scored just 16.7 points per contest.

On defense, Pro Bowl defensive end Myles Garrett has been playing through foot, thigh and Achilles injuries, yet still has been good enough to record two sacks. forcing a fumble on both. Cleveland is 12th in total defense at 309.3 yards allowed per game. But Garrett said he will play this week and rest .

“He’s a warrior. He’s going to go out there and give it everything he has,” Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. “Anything he’s able to do, he’s going to go out there and do it and when he’s on the field for us, he provides a big boost.”

Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) will not play Sunday, missing his third consecutive game.

–Field Level Media

Ravens view Bills as perfect chance to prove they belong

Buffalo is one of five 3-0 teams in the NFL, while the Baltimore Ravens are hungry to prove they are still on par with teams like the Bills in the AFC.

When the teams meet on Sunday night in Baltimore, the Ravens will have at least one thing going for them: They are hosting their second annual “Darkness Falls” game, a college-style stadium blackout that has Lamar Jackson pumped.

“Hearing the ‘Flock,’ just seeing all black throughout the crowd, it’s like you can’t escape,” the quarterback said with a grin. “It’s something about it, man, I can’t really describe it. Like the dark side.”

The Ravens (1-2) didn’t need home cooking to defeat the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday, though they let a 22-point lead dwindle in the fourth quarter before winning 28-25. Baltimore has been outscored 32-7 in the fourth quarter of its past two games.

Derrick Henry racked up 151 of the Ravens’ 274 rushing yards vs. the Cowboys and scored the third and fourth touchdowns of his debut season in Baltimore. Jackson ran for 87 yards and a score, and Justice Hill added 33 yards on five carries.

“They are kind of a good 1-2 punch,” coach John Harbaugh said of Henry and Hill. “They play off each other really well. They run the same plays, too, but they also run different plays at times. I just think it’s a good change of pace for the defense.”

The Ravens continue to tweak their defense, adding pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue to their practice squad earlier this week. Ngakoue has totaled 69 career sacks for six teams, including nine games for Baltimore in 2020. Baltimore’s Kyle Van Noy is tied for third in the league with four sacks.

As for the Bills, there has been little to nitpick this year.

After creaming the Jacksonville Jaguars 47-10 on Monday night, the Bills have a plus-64 scoring differential, tops in the league. Their turnover differential is plus-5 — only Green Bay’s is better — and they rank in the top 10 in total defense (286.7 yards allowed per game), passing defense (168.3) and scoring defense (16 points per game).

Josh Allen leads an offense that is scoring 37.3 points per game, another league high. He picked apart the Jaguars for four passing touchdowns before halftime on Monday night.

Allen won AFC Offensive Player of the Week, one week after running back James Cook won the honor for his three-touchdown game against the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo’s Gregory Rousseau won AFC Defensive Player of the Week for a three-sack game in Week 1.

“It’s a shame our O-line can’t win Offensive Player of the Week,” Allen quipped, “because they play their tails off. And even going back to Week 2, James was able to win that because of what our O-line’s doing.”

Damar Hamlin grabbed his first career interception in the Jacksonville blowout. It was an emotional moment for Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals less than 20 months ago.

“We keep it simple and everybody’s keeping the team first,” Hamlin said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. “Buffalo is a special place to be.”

The Bills have ruled out linebacker Terrel Bernard (pec) and cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) for Sunday, and rookie offensive lineman Tylan Grable (groin) was placed on IR. Cornerback Kaiir Elam (neck) was a full participant in Friday’s practice and has no injury designation for the game.

The Ravens are dealing with a banged-up offensive line. Center Tyler Linderbaum (knee) missed Wednesday’s practice but worked his way back the rest of the week and is officially questionable. Left guard Andrew Vorhees (ankle) is doubtful and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (hamstring) was ruled out.

The Bills have won two straight meetings with the Ravens, including a victory in the divisional round of the 2020-21 playoffs.

–Field Level Media

QBs get healthy, Aaron Jones leaps for Green Bay return with Vikings

Aaron Jones knows exactly what he will do if he scores a touchdown at Lambeau Field, where he spent the first seven years of his career.

“I’m definitely leaping up there,” Jones said this week.

Would Packers fans embrace him in his Lambeau Leap? Boo him? Maybe both?

Jones is in his first season with the rival Minnesota Vikings (3-0), who will visit the Green Bay Packers (2-1) on Sunday afternoon in an NFC North battle.

The Packers released Jones during the offseason and the Vikings wasted little time in adding him to their roster. He has responded with 325 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in his first three games for Minnesota, which is one of five remaining teams in the NFL that have yet to lose.

Green Bay has been nearly as impressive to start the season, particularly considering that it lost starting quarterback Jordan Love to a knee injury at the end of its season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Backup Malik Willis has stepped in and helped Green Bay do more than just stay competitive. The Packers beat the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 in Week 2 before following that up last week with a 30-14 road win against the Tennessee Titans.

This week, Love said that his knee is feeling better and he is moving without as many limitations. He is officially listed as questionable for Sunday.

“I’m trying to push it, and I’ve been trying to get back as fast as I can no matter who the opponent was,” Love said. “But definitely, you look at this week — an NFC North opponent, 3-0 team, really good team — so definitely it would mean a lot to get back and push myself to get back for this game.”

Love practiced in full pads Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, a sign Packers coach Matt LaFleur called “encouraging.”

Willis has proved to be a capable backup plan. He posted a 120.9 passer rating last week against Tennessee, against whom he completed 13 of 19 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown.

The Vikings also have benefited from a comeback story at their most important position. Sam Darnold has thrived in his first season with the team, completing 67.9 percent of his passes for 657 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

Darnold briefly left last week’s contest against the Houston Texans because of a knee injury but returned one play later. He was back at practice without limitations by Thursday and did not appear on the final injury report Friday.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said he was grateful that Darnold escaped serious injury.

“I’ve been very excited about the start that Sam has gotten off to,” O’Connell said. “I’m having an absolute blast coaching him. So when I saw him go down in the moment, there was the initial feeling. … And then he comes back in the game, and I’m holding the call sheet, so I can’t clap like everybody else did.”

Both teams also have benefited from playmakers on defense to start the season.

Patrick Jones II and Jonathan Greenard lead the Vikings with four sacks apiece. Teammate Andrew Van Ginkel has three sacks to go along with a pick-6.

Green Bay is led by Devonte Wyatt with three sacks. Safety Xavier McKinney also has shined in the secondary with an NFL-best three interceptions. The Packers do have starting cornerback Jaire Alexander (quadricep, groin) listed as questionable and corner Carrington Valentine (ankle) down as doubtful.

This will be the 128th all-time meeting between the rivals, including playoffs. Green Bay leads the series 66-58-3.

Jones cannot wait for the next matchup.

“I’m definitely excited to go back, that’s where it all started for me,” he said. “Just a moment of gratitude, a full-circle moment.”

–Field Level Media

Kliff Kingsbury’s proteges face off as the Commanders head to Arizona

As the first-year head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, Kliff Kingsbury’s mission was to develop a rookie quarterback with a Heisman Trophy on his resume, Kyler Murray.

Five years later, in his first year as offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, Kingsbury is doing the same with another Heisman Trophy-winning rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels.

Sunday when the Cardinals (1-2) host the Commanders (2-1), it will be a look-in at Kingsbury pupils, past and present.

So far, the Kingsbury-Daniels collaboration has been a rousing success, as Daniels has shown improvement each week, culminating with a brilliant breakout performance Monday night in Cincinnati in the Commanders’ 38-33 win over the Bengals.

Daniels completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, including a stunning 27-yard game-clincher to Terry McLaurin as he was absorbing a huge hit from Cincinnati safety Geno Stone.

“Sometimes the bigger the challenge, the bigger the smile,” Washington head coach Dan Quinn said of the poise Daniels has shown.

“He is the answer,” Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen added.

In hitting on 91.3 percent of his passes, Daniels had the highest completion rate ever in a game for a rookie quarterback.

In three games, Daniels has yet to commit a turnover. He has directed 17 straight drives that either ended in a score or a kneeldown, dating back to the last drive of the season opener. Pro Bowl punter Tress Way hasn’t had to kick since Week 1.

Daniels, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, leads the high-flying Commanders to Arizona. The team flew directly there from Cincinnati because Quinn wanted “no outside voices,” to interfere with Washington’s preparation.

“One of the most challenging things for a young team to do is not to ride the roller coaster. It’s not easy because roller coasters are fun as hell,” Quinn said. “You can’t ride the highs and lows because both can be equally dangerous.”

A danger for Washington on Sunday is the Cardinals’ aerial combo of Murray and rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. Of Murray’s five touchdown passes, three have been to the former Ohio State standout.

Harrison had a touchdown catch on the opening drive in the Cardinals’ 20-13 loss at home to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. But on its next 10 possessions, Arizona produced only two field goals.

There should be more opportunities against Washington, which ranks last in the NFL in passer rating defense (127.6) and has surrendered more passing touchdowns (nine) than any team.

Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon expects the Commanders to be a tough challenge.

“Monday night, they played extremely well,” Gannon said. “They’re 2-1 for a reason. Big-time test coming in here.”

The Cardinals will not have to deal with Washington running back Austin Ekeler, who suffered a concussion Monday night and has been ruled out, Quinn said on Wednesday. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) and wide receiver Jamison Crowder (calf) are also out.

Commanders guard Sam Cosmi will play Sunday after an Achilles injury sidelined him for Wednesday’s practice and limited him on Thursday.

Gannon reported on Wednesday that defensive lineman Justin Jones (triceps) will miss the rest of the season. Replacing him on the roster will be veteran Naquan Jones, who was with the Cardinals in the preseason before joining the practice roster of the Miami Dolphins.

Tight end Trey McBride (concussion) and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (knee) are both out for Arizona.

Safety Budda Baker (quad), linebacker Dennis Gardeck (finger), defensive tackle Dante Stills (shoulder) and Harrison (quad) will all play for the Cardinals after being limited in practice earlier in the week. Guard Isaiah Adams (thumb) and offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) are questionable.

– Field Level Media

49ers tag in reinforcements, face challenged Patriots

The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers vie to end a two-game losing streak when they meet Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.

After opening the season with a 16-10 victory at Cincinnati, New England (1-2) dropped a 23-20 decision to Seattle in overtime at home in Week 2 before losing to the New York Jets 24-3 on the road in Week 3.

The 49ers (1-2) began their season with a 32-19 home victory against the Jets, but they have since suffered losses at Minnesota (23-17) and at the Los Angeles Rams (27-24).

In addition to missing running back Christian McCaffrey, who is on injured reserve with Achilles tendinitis, the 49ers were without wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) against the Rams. But Kittle declared himself ready to roll on Thursday.

Samuel and left tackle Trent Williams, who has a toe injury, could also be back to face New England after being upgraded to questionable on Friday.

The Patriots are averaging 13.0 points per game (31st) and their offense ranks 32nd in yards per game (246.3). New England’s biggest issue has come in the passing game, which is averaging 102.0 yards per contest (32nd).

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been operating behind an offensive line that has been plagued by injuries through the season’s first three weeks, and that may be the case again Sunday. Starting left tackle Vederian Lowe (knee) and guard Michael Jordan (ankle) are out and backup O-linemen Caeden Wallace (knee) and Sidy Sow (ankle) are questionable.

“Obviously (the 49ers’) record is not reflective of the team that they are, and can be going forward because they’re dealing with injuries as well,” New England coach Jerod Mayo said. “What I will say is the challenge for us is just in the front — offensive line and defensive line. I don’t want to sound repetitive, but they are a do-what-they-do type of team. We know what they’re going to do (and) the fans know what they’re going to do, but you still have to stop it.”

Earlier this week, Mayo said Brissett will remain the team’s starting quarterback and rookie first-round pick Drake Maye will be No. 2 on the depth chart. Maye played in the final minutes of New England’s loss to the Jets. Mayo also said the team is not interested in signing a veteran quarterback at this time.

New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson (4.3 ypc) and Antonio Gibson (6.2 ypc) are both averaging more than 4.0 yards per carry, but Stevenson has fumbled the ball three times in three games.

Despite the injuries to some of their offensive stars, the 49ers are averaging 24.3 points per game (tied with Seattle for ninth) and rank third in yards per game (407.3) and second in passing yards per game (267.7). Wide receiver Jauan Jennings had 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams.

The 49ers’ defense has been leaky, however. San Francisco is 30th among NFL teams in both yards allowed per play (6.1) and third-down conversion percentage (52.9 percent). The 49ers can no longer rely on defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who suffered a torn right triceps during last Sunday’s loss to the Rams and will miss the remainder of the season.

“I think all three levels (of the defense) have had an issue at times,” San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I think we’ve played good at times, too. … We’ve had some new guys in there. We’ve had moments where we’ve been strong, but we’re not playing up to how we usually do and we have to make sure to get back to playing that way.

“Every time you have injuries, everyone knows it makes it tougher, but people have injuries throughout the league. You have to be able to overcome those.”

49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) is also questionable after rolling his ankle at practice.

Sunday’s game will be the first meeting between the teams since 2020, when the 49ers earned a 33-6 road victory.

“We’ll see what this team is made of going forward,” Mayo said. “We have a long trip out west and gotta be ready to play against a good solid football team.”

–Field Level Media