Golden Nuggets: TNF Has, Like, So Many Ex-49ers

Good morning folks, I hope you’re all excited for what could turn out to be an excellent game tonight, as the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Oakland to face the Raiders. Surely, much of the fantasy football community will have an eye on the matchup, with many of us reaching the midway point of our leagues & likely dependent on one or more of the fake-points stalwarts either doing really well, or not at all, tonight. Fantasy football aside, this could turn out to be a great game if Derek Carr is healthy enough to push his offense down the field. With two high powered offenses, but only one worthwhile defense, a wild ride is sure to be in store. Unless, of course, the Chiefs just embarrass the Raiders, which is actually something of a possibility.

As 49er fans, this game will mark the first time we see NaVorro Bowman in another uniform after his signing with the Raiders this week. Of course, it’s also a matchup between a cross-town sort-of-rival, and the Midwestern Island of Misfit 49ers. The Kansas City Chiefs have four of our former players (CB Kenneth Acker, OL Jordan Devey, QB Alex Smith, and CB Keith Reaser on the Practice Squad), and the Oakland Raiders technically have four as well (LB NaVorro Bowman, WR Michael Crabtree, K Giorgio Tavecchio, and LB Aldon Smith on the Reserve/Suspended list). While it’s been tough to watch players like Crabtree and Smith go on to have greater success elsewhere after their stints with us, I just can’t muster the same kind of adversarial attitude when it comes to Bowman. Best of luck, sack ol’ Alex for us if you can.

CJ Beathard remains the toast of the local media, as a regular subject of interest including a great article on his interactions with Dallas in the pre-draft phase. The game commentators made sure to thoroughly cover the Beathard family history last Sunday, and in case you’re interested in reading more about his grandfather (a former Redskins GM), or his father and brother (both have found success in country music), his history continued to be well covered through Wednesday’s articles.

Former NFL referee and current FOX Sports commentator Mike Pereira made a guest appearance on the Sac Bee (apparently he resides in Sacramento), and expressed his thoughts on the most recent rash of questionable calls from the refs, with something of a focus on the 49ers’ woes. I must say, this was one of the more satisfying reads I’ve had in a while, if only because of the novelty of a consummately professional ex-referee bashing the current referees (and some coaches), as a surprise guest at his local paper.

Finally, the protest discussion has made some progress. I think.

On to the good stuff-

Talkin’ CJ Beathard | Inman, Mercury | Barrows, Sac Bee | Wagoner, ESPN

CJ Beathard needs to show leadership | Biderman, Ninerswire

Brian Hoyer comfortable working as a mentor to Beathard | Wagoner, ESPN

Another questionable late penalty robs 49ers against Redskins | Mike Pereira, Sac Bee

The 49ers have the most drops in the NFL by far | Wagoner, ESPN

Kyle Shanahan remains optimistic on Foster returning for Cowboys | Biderman, Ninerswire

Ezekiel Elliot will play against the 49ers | Biderman, Ninerswire

49ers Mailbag | Barrows, Sac Bee

Reuben Foster’s nightclub incident | Inman, Mercury | Barrows, Sac Bee | Wagoner, ESPN | Biderman, Ninerswire

Protest stuff | Branch, SF Gate | Ginwright, Mercury | Associated Press via CSN Bay Area | Lynch, KNBR | Barrows, Sac Bee | Wagoner, ESPN