By Robert MarviShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe San Francisco 49ers took another step toward returning to the NFL playoffs by defeating the Cleveland Browns 26-8 on Sunday. Quarterback Brock Purdy, in his third game back from a toe injury, didn't have a great performance, but he also didn't have any interceptions after throwing three of them last week versus the Carolina Panthers, and overall, it was a team effort for the 49ers.
They got four catches and 67 yards from star tight end George Kittle, plus 39 yards on four catches from wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Meanwhile, the Browns saw rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, in his second pro start, complete 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown.
In the third quarter, Browns defensive tackle Maliek Collins suffered a knee injury and had to be carted off the field. According to teammate Shelby Harris, Jennings was talking trash while Collins was being helped off, and Harris had some harsh words about Jennings.
""He's a hoe. I see why he got punched in the nuts. ... I'm surprised no one punched him in the jaw yet," Harris said.
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Read more: Colts’ Sauce Gardner Offers Major Injury Update on Himself After Scary Incident
In contrast to Harris' accusation, several members of the Niners went up to Collins following his injury and appeared to wish him well before he left.
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Just last season, Collins was a teammate of Jennings on the 49ers. In 12 games this season, he has 25 total tackles (15 solo), 13 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks after posting 33 total tackles (20 solo), 12 QB hits, five tackles for loss and five sacks last year.
Jennings has stepped up his play dating back to last season, especially after Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL last October. He came very close to reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in 2024, and he has become one of Purdy's favorite targets, especially in crucial situations.
Sunday's win gave San Francisco a 9-4 win, and paired with the Los Angeles Rams' shocking loss to the Carolina Panthers, put it just half a game behind the first-place Rams. As a result, it will largely control its destiny moving forward as far as being able to clinch a postseason berth.
If the NFL regular season were to end now, the Niners would take the seventh and final playoff seed in the NFC.
Read more: Panthers’ Bryce Young Sets NFL History in Rams Upset Win
Cleveland, meanwhile, now has a 3-9 record. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said after Sunday's game that Sanders will start again next weekend versus the Tennessee Titans.
For more on the Browns and 49ers, as well as general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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