The Faithful had questions, and I’ve got the answers.<\/p>\n
Each week throughout the season, fans will have the chance to submit their questions on Instagram, and I’ll answer them here in this dedicated Q&A series. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from the Faithful and highlight the storylines you care about most.<\/p>\n
After a wild win in Los Angeles on Thursday in Week 5, the 49ers now travel to the East Coast for a late-afternoon matchup against the 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let’s dive into your questions!<\/p>\n
Q: Will QB Mac Jones<\/a> be playing? \u2013 @andersonsantay<\/p>\n It’s looking promising. President of football operations and general manager John Lynch shared on KNBR that the team feels “pretty good about where he’s going to be at.” He also shared that the quarterback is in good shape after powering through Thursday night’s win over the Rams and continues to make progress heading into Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. “We’re hopeful and believe that he’s going to be in a good spot,” Lynch added.<\/p>\n Q: Are the niners wearing red jerseys this week? \u2013 @youngineduardo<\/p>\n Yes! Even though the 49ers are on the road in Week 6, they’ll be suiting up in their classic red uniforms for the first time this season.<\/p>\n Q: What are the best keys to neutralize Baker Mayfield? \u2013 @aubreyc707<\/p>\n It all starts with pressure. When Mayfield has a clean pocket, he’s one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL, completing over 70 percent of his passes with a 110.9 passer rating when unpressured. The key for the 49ers will be collapsing the pocket early and often. Another key will be limiting explosive plays to rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka, who already has four touchdowns of 20-plus yards. If the defense can stay sound and force Mayfield to hold onto the ball, they’ll put themselves in a great position to keep this Buccaneers offense in check.<\/p>\n Q: Will S Malik Mustapha<\/a> play Week 7? \u2013 @Itsjsivnnn<\/p>\n It’s looking better for the second-year safety! The 49ers officially opened Mustapha’s 21-day practice window on Monday, and he was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, his first since undergoing ACL surgery in January. Mustapha told reporters he feels “ready to go” and if all continues trending in the right direction, fans could see Mustapha back on the field very soon.<\/p>\n Q: Will WRs Ricky Pearsall<\/a> and Jauan Jennings<\/a> be available? \u2013 @dukeboy10000<\/p>\n Both receivers are still working their way back. Pearsall (knee) has yet to return to practice after missing last week’s game, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said he isn’t “counting on” having him available against the Buccaneers. As for Jennings (ankle, ribs), he’s been limited by injuries throughout the season but made some progress this week, going from a non-participant Wednesday to limited on Thursday. It’s a good sign, but his availability will likely come down to how he feels after Friday’s practice. Keep an eye on the final injury report for official game statuses.<\/p>\n Q: Will the niners add an impact DE to replace bosa? \u2013 @rican_808<\/p>\n The team is definitely exploring it. Lynch also shared on KNBR that the 49ers are “having a lot of good and productive conversations” about potential trades to strengthen the defensive line after Nick Bosa<\/a>‘s season-ending ACL injury. That said, Lynch was clear that you can’t just replace a player like Bosa. For now, the team is evaluating its options and will execute if the right opportunity comes along. In the meantime, Lynch said he’s proud of the effort from the current group up front.<\/p>\n Q: Which Bay is going to win? \u2013 @leroysf415<\/p>\n Would I really be a true Faithful if I didn’t take the 49ers against anybody?!<\/p>\n \n Submit Your Questions<\/p>\n Each week, this series highlights questions directly from the Faithful. To have your question featured in the next edition, follow @49ers<\/a> and @brianajeannel<\/a> on Instagram and submit your question through the weekly Instagram story prompt.<\/p>\n