San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams Week 3 Live Blog

It will be interesting to see how Kyle Shanahan distributes targets with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle both out.

Sep 22, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

INGLEWOOD -- This is the live blog for the San Francisco 49ers' Week 3 road game against the Los Angeles Rams. I will update this frequently with information and analysis from the Rams press box.

11:55 Here are the 49ers' inactives: George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Darrell Luter Jr., Tatum Bethune, Ben Bartch, Joshua Dobbs.

11:56 It will be interesting to see how the 49ers run the ball with Kittle. As we've seen the past two weeks, they can run the ball just fine without Christian McCaffrey even though he's the best running back in the NFL. And that's because Jordan Mason also is excellent plus George Kittle is a premier blocking tight end. Having him at the point of attack helps every running back. Will Mason have as much room to run without Kittle creating space?

11:57 In the passing game, it will be interesting to see how Kyle Shanahan distributes targets with Deebo Samuel and Kittle both out. Brandon Aiyuk should be expected to step up and shoulder the load considering he just got a contract extenion worth $30 million per season. But he held out all offseason and may not be in peak physical condition quite yet. As opposed to Jauan Jennings who has been absolutely locked in since the playoffs started last season. I expect that Jennings will lead the 49ers in targets and catches today while Aiyuk complements him. I also expect the 49ers will run the ball far more than they'll throw it simply because the Rams run defense is awful.

1:23 The Rams win the toss and defer. The 49ers will receive the opening kickoff.

FIRST QUARTER

1:32 On 1st and 10 from the Rams 13-yard line, Brock Purdy fakes a pitch to Isaac Guerendo, looks quickly to the left for Aiyuk before turning back to the right and hitting a wide open Jauan Jennings int the end zone. Jordan Mason had 31 yards from scrimmage on 5 touches on that drive.

49ers 7, Rams 0.

1:37 On 3rd and 2 from the Rams 38, Nick Bosa overruns Matthew Stafford in the pocket, Stafford scrambles to his left and throws the ball to no one. And the Rams go 3 and out. After the punt, the 49ers take over at their 26.

1:56 On 3rd and goal from the 4, Purdy scrambles to his left and throws his second touchdown pass of the game to Jennings. Purdy is playing so well, and Jennings continues to play better than Brandon Aiyuk, who's extremely overpaid.

49ers 14, Rams 0.

SECOND QUARTER

2:08 On 1st and 20 from the Rams 45, Javon Hargrave sacks Stafford. The Rams punt a few plays later. They're truly awful. After punt, the 49ers take over at their 20.

2:15 On 3rd and 4 from the 49ers 40, Aiyuk throws a pass to Brandon Aiyuk but it's broken up by Tre'Davius White. Aiyuk simply doesn't look fast. After the punt, the Rams take over at their 13.

2:34 On 2nd and 8 from the 49ers 14, Stafford throws a touchdown pass over the middle to running back Kyren Williams who does a front flip over Talanoa Hufanga to get into the end zone. That was an 87-yard touchdown drive. The 49ers get the ball back with 1:52 and two timeouts left.

49ers 14, Rams 7.

2:44 On 1st and 10 from the 49ers 41, Trent Williams leaves the game with leg cramps. A few plays later, Colton McKivitz gives up a sack to Byron Young who strips the ball from Purdy and the Rams recover.

2:47 Maliek Collins sacks Stafford on the first play of the series and the Rams go thee and out as the first half ends. They'll get the ball to start the second half.

THIRD QUARTER

3:04 On 3rd and 5 from midfield, Ji'Ayir Brown breaks up a pass intended for Colby Parkinson. After the punt, the 49ers take over at their 9. Trent Williams is back on the field.

3:14 3rd and 5 from the Rams 31, Jauan Jennings runs an out-and-up and catches his third touchdown pass of the game. He is unquestionably the best wide receiver on the team. The 49ers are so much better when they don't force the ball to Deebo Samuel constantly.

49ers 21, Rams 7.

3:28 On 1st and goal from the 2, Kyren Williams blows past Fred Warner to score his second touchdown. Isaac Yiadom committed a 48-yard pass interference penalty on that drive and Charvarius Ward left the game with an injury.

49ers 21, Rams 14.