49ers pregame: Bosa to face Bucs, Brady; Lynch joins Knapp Stair Climb challenge
SANTA CLARA — NFL sack leader Nick Bosa will suit up for the 49ers today and lead their defensive charge against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bosa did not practice last week because of a hamstring issue, which surfaced the day after he posted three sacks in the 49ers’ fifth straight game, a 33-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Bosa was the only 49ers’ player listed as questionable entering this game, which will be Brady’s second Bay Area appearance against the 49ers, having thrown four touchdown passes in a victorious visit in 2016.
Upon arriving on the Bucs’ first bus into Levi’s Stadium, Brady stopped en route to the locker room to take a picture of 49ers’ historical memorabilia located in a side room.
Brady’s counterpart today, rookie Brock Purdy, is making his first career start. Purdy replaced an injured Jimmy Garoppolo after last game’s first possession and completed 25-of-37 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one interception (88.8 passer rating).
KNAPP STAIR CLIMB CHALLENGE
General manager John Lynch joined a pregame contingent that took part in the inaugural Knapp Stair Climb challenge, to bring awareness to the dangers of distracted driving, in honor of former 49ers and NFL assistant coach Greg Knapp, who died in July 2021 after being struck by a distracted driver while cycling near his Danville home.
Knapp’s wife, Charlotte, participated in Sunday morning’s stadium-steps run and has taken her powerful, don’t-drive-distracted message to local high schools in their Every 15 Minutes program.
Greg Knapp began running stadium steps before games at the suggestion of 49ers quarterback Steve Young, and Knapp began his NFL career as an assistant with the 49ers from 1995-2003. Knapp’s coaching specialities revolved around offense and quarterbacks, and that carried over to stints with the Atlanta Falcons (2004-06; 2018-20), the Raiders (2007-08, 2012), the Seattle Seahawks (2009), the Houston Texans (2010-11), the Denver Broncos (2013-16), and this season’s New York Jets; he was struck while cycling a day before he was to leave last July as their passing-game coordinator and mentor to Zach Wilson.
Members of the Falcons participated in the Knapp Stair Climb challenge a week ago, and Lynch issued a challenge Sunday for the Cleveland Browns to do so next.
Among those also participating in Sunday’s pregame run at Levi’s Stadium were assistant general manager Adam Peters and assistant coaches Anthony Lynn and Cory Undlin. Proceeds from the Knapp Stair Climb Challenge benefit the Coach Knapp Memorial Fund.
“(Knapp) used to run the steps before each and every game. Today, we’re going to run the steps to bring awareness to distracted driving and the dangers of it,” Lynch said. “We’re going to do it for Coach Knapp and the Coach Knapp Memorial Fund. We’re also going to issue a challenge to the Cleveland Browns and Coach (Kevin) Stefanski, so Cleveland, help us raise awareness and honor our friend.”
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PREGAME INACTIVES
Out for the 49ers are quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (foot), defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (pectoral), safety Tarvarius Moore (knee), running back Ty Davis-Price linebacker Curtis Robinson, guard Nick Zakelj and tight end Ross Dwelley.
Running back Tevin Coleman and defensive back Dontae Johnson were activated Saturday from the practice squad. Coleman replaces Davis-Price in a backfield with Christian McCaffrey and rookie Jordan Mason; Davis-Price did not have an offensive snap last Sunday and is inactive the eighth time this rookie season.
The Bucs’ inactive include right tackle Tristan Wirfs (ankle, knee), cornerback Sean Murphy-Buntin (quadriceps) and safeties Mike Edwards (hamstring) and Antoine Winfield (ankle). Also out are wide receiver Breshad Perriman, tight end Kyle Rudolph and quarterback Kyle Trask.
Questionable entering the game were the Bucs’ leading rusher Leonard Fournette (foot) and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (foot). Both are active.