The 49ers are looking to extend their strong start to the season to a second continent, now that they are back in North America.
They host the Miami Dolphins in their home opener Sunday at Levi’s Stadium after beating the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in Melbourne, Australia to begin the season.
The 49ers traveled back to the U.S. immediately after beating their NFC West foes, and have had a couple of extra days to prepare for the Dolphins’ visit, even as they readjust to Pacific Time after their journey from the Southern Hemisphere.
After a pair of key injuries, though, the 49ers will be facing Miami a bit short on pass-catchers. Rookie second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling, who had broken out in the preseason, went down with an ankle injury against LA and is out for at least several weeks. Jake Tonges, the team’s No. 2 tight end who came up big last season, suffered a knee injury in the opener.
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Still, the Niners are favorites in Sunday’s game thanks to home-field advantage and Miami’s low expectations. The Dolphins, who have a new head coach in Jeff Hafley and new quarterback in Malik Willis, lost their opener in Las Vegas to the lowly Raiders.
Papa update
In case you missed it, Greg Papa’s comeback as the 49ers’ play-by-play broadcaster is back on hold as heart issues have him in a San Francisco hospital.
Fans in the Bay Area and beyond were hoping to hear him call the 49ers’ home opener today. Here’s what he told our Cam Inman last night about his latest health setback.
Follow along below for live updates…
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