SF 49ers news: Brock Purdy in as much awe of Nick Bosa and George Kittle as the rest of us

In 49ers news, Brock Purdy was in awe of Nick Bosa and George Kittle

Before becoming a rookie sensation after being pressed into duty by injuries suffered by Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppollo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was just like everyone else.

In awe of Nick Bosa and George Kittle.

Purdy said as much on KNBR Tuesday (via 49ersWebZone).

"“I would say, right when I first got here, it was definitely like that,” Purdy shared. “I’m like, man, Nick Bosa just reported back, and I saw how yoked he was, and I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I’m a couple of lockers away from him. And then there’s George Kittle right there, and Trent Williams, and even Jimmy, when Jimmy came back.“I’m like, ‘Man, this is crazy.’ But over time, they’re normal dudes. They’re real dudes. They’re just really good at what they do. They’re really good football players.”"

Bosa already has 42 sacks in his career, three Pro Bowl rosters made, and earned defensive rookie of the year honors in 2019.

Kittle is, well, George Kittle. No just a favorite target of Purdy’s on the field.

One of the most recognizable tight ends in the game, and that’s just his hair. He has been honored by being named to four Pro Bowl teams as well.

More 49ers news

Brandon Aiyuk made nine receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders on Sunday. Not a bad day.

Coach Kyle Shanahan thinks his wide receiver could have done better during his press conference on Monday.

"“I thought he was struggling a lot in that game. But he ended up making some big plays at the end that really helped us win,” Shanahan said. “So I thought it was a hell of a job by him just overcoming how some things started, and he ended up finishing real strong.”"

(Via NBC Sports Bay Area

NBC’s Matt Maiocco noted Aiyuk was on the field for nearly every offensive snap (64 or 67) and caught nine of 12 targets in the game.

Shanahan said he’s been better.

"“He was one of the reasons why we won at the end. I’m just saying that he’s had some better games throughout the year.”"

The 49ers beat the Raiders 37-34 in overtime to improve to 12-4 on the year. Their playoff picture is looking pretty good right now, and they still have a shot at taking the top seed in the NFC.

For the season, Aiyuk has recorded 956 yards on 74 catches, good for eight touchdowns. All of those figures are career bests for the 24-year-old.

In other news:

• Niner Nation thinks Nick Bosa has separated from the pack for defensive player of the year. (Sportsbooks seem to agree.)
• The 49ers and Packers may be headed for a playoff collision

Around the NFL

The NFL world — players, fans, and media alike — stopped and held its collective breath on Monday night when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed following a tackle in Cincinnati on Monday night.

The game was suspended and eventually postponed as players left the field and everyone looked on in shock.

Tuesday, with news that Hamlin suffered a cardiac event and remained in critical condition, the NFL announced the game would not be resumed this week.

The league did not announce whether there would be a makeup date or anything else.

Week 18’s schedule will be played as normal.

"“The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association,” the league said in a statement."