The Ticker: 49ers look to bounce back, Bay FC playoff watch and post-Klay Warriors
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Niners quarterback Brock Purdy reacts after turning the ball over against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
If last week is any indication, the 49ers could be on an arduous road to get back to the Super Bowl this season.
Driving the news: The Niners, who fell to the Minnesota Vikings last weekend 23-17, are now 1-1.
- The 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, where they'll look to spoil the Southern California team's home opener.
Yes, but: The injury bug abounds. San Francisco will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey for at least the next three games after placing him on injured reserve. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is expected to miss a "couple weeks," with both Samuel and McCaffrey dealing with calf injuries.
- Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is still out for at least two more games as he recovers from a gunshot wound to his chest.
What we're watching: This is arguably the biggest test of Brock Purdy's young career. Often considered a game manager, not a game changer, Purdy will get a chance to show what he can do while missing key pieces of his usual supporting cast.
What's next: Kickoff for Sunday's game is at 1:25pm on Fox.
On the diamond: The San Francisco Giants playoff drought continues as they have officially been eliminated from the MLB's postseason. The Giants are 4-6 in their last 10 games, which included a crucial three-game sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres.
- The team hasn't made the playoffs since 2021 and hasn't advanced past the Division Series since their World Series championship in 2014.
- Meanwhile, the Oakland A's play their final game at the Oakland Coliseum on Thursday against the Texas Rangers.
Over in Golden State land, the Warriors are looking ahead to their first preseason game in early October, when we'll get our first glimpse at the post-Klay Thompson era.
Catch up quick: The Warriors parted ways with franchise legend Thompson and future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul.
- Through a mix of free agency signings and trades, the Warriors added a handful of new players to deepen its roster, including sharpshooter Buddy Hield, elite defender De'Anthony Melton and the versatile Kyle "Slo-Mo" Anderson.
Of note: Tickets for regular season games are on sale and Thompson's first game back in the Bay is Nov. 12.
Meanwhile, the Valkyries recently surpassed 17,000 season ticket deposits for their inaugural 2025 season.
- Last week, the team unveiled renderings for their state-of-the-art locker room at Chase Center and their practice facilities in Oakland.
Bay FC is still holding on to the final playoff spot in the NWSL with six games left in the regular season.
- The club faces the Orlando Pride at 7:30 Friday in San Jose.
ICYMI: Bay FC opened next season's ticket member waitlist, letting fans sign up ahead of the general public sale.
Also in San Jose, the Sharks are gearing up for their first preseason game Sunday against the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
- Unfortunately, the Sharks are already dealing with injuries to four players, including team captain Logan Couture, who hasn't been on the ice in nearly eight months.