Matt Barrows
@mattbarrows.bsky.social
Matt has covered the 49ers since 2003, first for The Sacramento Bee and now for The Athletic. Like fiction? Check out the crime novel Matt co-wrote. It's about a reporter who commits a series of murders ... https://a.co/d/hntQmF5
Pinned
Matt Barrows
@mattbarrows.bsky.social
· Dec 17
Inside the mind — and tattoos — of 49ers’ George Kittle, one of the NFL’s most interesting players
Kittle, a 'Lord of the Rings' devotee, sees life and an NFL season through that lens. On Thursday, he was channeling his inner Sauron.
www.nytimes.com
Attention “Lord of the Rings” fans: You have a kindred spirit in NFL star George Kittle, who sees himself as Strider but who’s contemplating a Sauron tattoo. Yes, it’s complicated … #LOTR #49ers
www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...
Records, draft picks, playoffs: What’s at stake for 49ers over the final four games
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Records, draft picks, playoffs: What’s at stake for 49ers over the final four games
Christian McCaffrey has a chance for the record books and the 49ers have a shot, albeit a narrow one, of landing the top playoff seed.
www.nytimes.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Records, draft picks, playoffs: What’s at stake for 49ers over the final four games
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Trent Williams for Team MVP? | 49ers +/-
YouTube video by 49ers Plus Minus Podcast
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:19 PM
49ers +/-: TK and I go over our list of superlatives so far:
* MVP (other than CMC)
* Best rookie
* Most inspirational
* Most disappointing
* Biggest offseason blunder
* More ...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
* MVP (other than CMC)
* Best rookie
* Most inspirational
* Most disappointing
* Biggest offseason blunder
* More ...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
[49ers +/-] Team MVP, LVP, Biggest Surprise & More Awards
Podcast Episode · The TK Show: A Show about sports in the Bay Area · 12/04/2025 · 52m
podcasts.apple.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:14 PM
49ers +/-: TK and I go over our list of superlatives so far:
* MVP (other than CMC)
* Best rookie
* Most inspirational
* Most disappointing
* Biggest offseason blunder
* More ...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
* MVP (other than CMC)
* Best rookie
* Most inspirational
* Most disappointing
* Biggest offseason blunder
* More ...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Reposted by Matt Barrows
#49ers mailbag:
* Are SF’s injuries a FA turnoff?
* Who’s a splashy FA target?
* New approach to WRs?
* Where D ranks in missed tackles
* Jacob Cowing’s practice window?
* Bye-bye, Saleh; Hello, Schwartz?
* Fred Warner’s return
* Juice fill-in
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
* Are SF’s injuries a FA turnoff?
* Who’s a splashy FA target?
* New approach to WRs?
* Where D ranks in missed tackles
* Jacob Cowing’s practice window?
* Bye-bye, Saleh; Hello, Schwartz?
* Fred Warner’s return
* Juice fill-in
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers mailbag: Looking ahead to Fred Warner’s possible return, free agency and the draft
Also among this week's questions: When will Jacob Cowing practice, and will free agents be scared off by the 49ers' injury issues?
www.nytimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:37 PM
#49ers mailbag:
* Are SF’s injuries a FA turnoff?
* Who’s a splashy FA target?
* New approach to WRs?
* Where D ranks in missed tackles
* Jacob Cowing’s practice window?
* Bye-bye, Saleh; Hello, Schwartz?
* Fred Warner’s return
* Juice fill-in
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
* Are SF’s injuries a FA turnoff?
* Who’s a splashy FA target?
* New approach to WRs?
* Where D ranks in missed tackles
* Jacob Cowing’s practice window?
* Bye-bye, Saleh; Hello, Schwartz?
* Fred Warner’s return
* Juice fill-in
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
#49ers mailbag:
* Are SF’s injuries a FA turnoff?
* Who’s a splashy FA target?
* New approach to WRs?
* Where D ranks in missed tackles
* Jacob Cowing’s practice window?
* Bye-bye, Saleh; Hello, Schwartz?
* Fred Warner’s return
* Juice fill-in
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
* Are SF’s injuries a FA turnoff?
* Who’s a splashy FA target?
* New approach to WRs?
* Where D ranks in missed tackles
* Jacob Cowing’s practice window?
* Bye-bye, Saleh; Hello, Schwartz?
* Fred Warner’s return
* Juice fill-in
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers mailbag: Looking ahead to Fred Warner’s possible return, free agency and the draft
Also among this week's questions: When will Jacob Cowing practice, and will free agents be scared off by the 49ers' injury issues?
www.nytimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:37 PM
#49ers mailbag:
* Are SF’s injuries a FA turnoff?
* Who’s a splashy FA target?
* New approach to WRs?
* Where D ranks in missed tackles
* Jacob Cowing’s practice window?
* Bye-bye, Saleh; Hello, Schwartz?
* Fred Warner’s return
* Juice fill-in
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
* Are SF’s injuries a FA turnoff?
* Who’s a splashy FA target?
* New approach to WRs?
* Where D ranks in missed tackles
* Jacob Cowing’s practice window?
* Bye-bye, Saleh; Hello, Schwartz?
* Fred Warner’s return
* Juice fill-in
* More!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers mailbag: Looking ahead to Fred Warner’s possible return, free agency and the draft
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers mailbag: Looking ahead to Fred Warner’s possible return, free agency and the draft
Also among this week's questions: When will Jacob Cowing practice, and will free agents be scared off by the 49ers' injury issues?
www.nytimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:23 PM
49ers mailbag: Looking ahead to Fred Warner’s possible return, free agency and the draft
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Reposted by Matt Barrows
#49ers minutia minute: Clelin Ferrell’s big game included career high in tackles
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers minutia minute: Clelin Ferrell’s big game included career high in tackles
The 49ers are hoping to get a one defensive lineman, Yetur Gross-Matos, back after the bye. There's a chance Sam Okuayinonu returns, too.
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
#49ers minutia minute: Clelin Ferrell’s big game included career high in tackles
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
BREAKING: (but not 49ers news): Muddy the Water won the BREW book of the year award in the suspense category. Makes a good stocking stuffer no matter if recipient is naughty or nice.
thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2024/12/24/b...
thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2024/12/24/b...
Book Review: Muddy the Water by Matt Barrows and Jessica Barrows Beebe - The Chrysalis BREW Project
A taut, gripping thriller that keeps readers guessing at every turn, Muddy the Water masterfully blends suspense, character depth, and vivid storytelling into an unforgettable read.
thechrysalisbrewproject.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:45 PM
BREAKING: (but not 49ers news): Muddy the Water won the BREW book of the year award in the suspense category. Makes a good stocking stuffer no matter if recipient is naughty or nice.
thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2024/12/24/b...
thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2024/12/24/b...
Reposted by Matt Barrows
#49ers minutia minute:
* Purdy wasn’t only 49er w/ a throwaway
* Cle Ferrell’s career day
* D. Robinson was fastest 49er
* Kittle leads the way…again
* Myles was on the move
* Upton Stout closing in on dubious mark
* Skyy Moore moving up in NFL rankings
* Snap counts
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
* Purdy wasn’t only 49er w/ a throwaway
* Cle Ferrell’s career day
* D. Robinson was fastest 49er
* Kittle leads the way…again
* Myles was on the move
* Upton Stout closing in on dubious mark
* Skyy Moore moving up in NFL rankings
* Snap counts
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers minutia minute: Clelin Ferrell’s big game included career high in tackles
The 49ers are hoping to get a one defensive lineman, Yetur Gross-Matos, back after the bye. There's a chance Sam Okuayinonu returns, too.
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:11 PM
#49ers minutia minute:
* Purdy wasn’t only 49er w/ a throwaway
* Cle Ferrell’s career day
* D. Robinson was fastest 49er
* Kittle leads the way…again
* Myles was on the move
* Upton Stout closing in on dubious mark
* Skyy Moore moving up in NFL rankings
* Snap counts
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
* Purdy wasn’t only 49er w/ a throwaway
* Cle Ferrell’s career day
* D. Robinson was fastest 49er
* Kittle leads the way…again
* Myles was on the move
* Upton Stout closing in on dubious mark
* Skyy Moore moving up in NFL rankings
* Snap counts
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
#49ers minutia minute:
* Purdy wasn’t only 49er w/ a throwaway
* Cle Ferrell’s career day
* D. Robinson was fastest 49er
* Kittle leads the way…again
* Myles was on the move
* Upton Stout closing in on dubious mark
* Skyy Moore moving up in NFL rankings
* Snap counts
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
* Purdy wasn’t only 49er w/ a throwaway
* Cle Ferrell’s career day
* D. Robinson was fastest 49er
* Kittle leads the way…again
* Myles was on the move
* Upton Stout closing in on dubious mark
* Skyy Moore moving up in NFL rankings
* Snap counts
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers minutia minute: Clelin Ferrell’s big game included career high in tackles
The 49ers are hoping to get a one defensive lineman, Yetur Gross-Matos, back after the bye. There's a chance Sam Okuayinonu returns, too.
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:11 PM
#49ers minutia minute:
* Purdy wasn’t only 49er w/ a throwaway
* Cle Ferrell’s career day
* D. Robinson was fastest 49er
* Kittle leads the way…again
* Myles was on the move
* Upton Stout closing in on dubious mark
* Skyy Moore moving up in NFL rankings
* Snap counts
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
* Purdy wasn’t only 49er w/ a throwaway
* Cle Ferrell’s career day
* D. Robinson was fastest 49er
* Kittle leads the way…again
* Myles was on the move
* Upton Stout closing in on dubious mark
* Skyy Moore moving up in NFL rankings
* Snap counts
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Starting a once-a-year bye week #49ers mailbag. Best question gets the coveted pole position. Priority to those who include first name and last initial.
Truly, madly, deeply,
Matt B.
Truly, madly, deeply,
Matt B.
December 2, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Starting a once-a-year bye week #49ers mailbag. Best question gets the coveted pole position. Priority to those who include first name and last initial.
Truly, madly, deeply,
Matt B.
Truly, madly, deeply,
Matt B.
#49ers minutia minute: Clelin Ferrell’s big game included career high in tackles
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers minutia minute: Clelin Ferrell’s big game included career high in tackles
The 49ers are hoping to get a one defensive lineman, Yetur Gross-Matos, back after the bye. There's a chance Sam Okuayinonu returns, too.
www.nytimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
#49ers minutia minute: Clelin Ferrell’s big game included career high in tackles
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Reposted by Matt Barrows
New "49ers +/-" with @mattbarrows.bsky.social -- Brock Purdy bounces back, 49ers beat the weather to get to the bye at 9-4.
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7lSB...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7lSB...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
[49ers +/-] Purdy Shows Up / 9-4 at the Bye
open.spotify.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:21 AM
New "49ers +/-" with @mattbarrows.bsky.social -- Brock Purdy bounces back, 49ers beat the weather to get to the bye at 9-4.
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7lSB...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7lSB...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
Re: injured 49ers returning post-bye, Shanahan said:
* Team should get Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) back
* There's a "good chance" Yetur Gross-Matos is back; he had a good workout today
* Tatum Bethune, Sam Okuayinonu (high ankle for both) have "a chance"; Shanahan not quite as optimistic w/ them.
* Team should get Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) back
* There's a "good chance" Yetur Gross-Matos is back; he had a good workout today
* Tatum Bethune, Sam Okuayinonu (high ankle for both) have "a chance"; Shanahan not quite as optimistic w/ them.
December 1, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Re: injured 49ers returning post-bye, Shanahan said:
* Team should get Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) back
* There's a "good chance" Yetur Gross-Matos is back; he had a good workout today
* Tatum Bethune, Sam Okuayinonu (high ankle for both) have "a chance"; Shanahan not quite as optimistic w/ them.
* Team should get Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) back
* There's a "good chance" Yetur Gross-Matos is back; he had a good workout today
* Tatum Bethune, Sam Okuayinonu (high ankle for both) have "a chance"; Shanahan not quite as optimistic w/ them.
December 1, 2025 at 3:54 AM
A smart game for Brock Purdy, who gets high marks in Cleveland — including for the throws he didn’t attempts …
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
49ers’ Brock Purdy gets high marks vs. Browns, including for throws he didn’t attempt
Purdy rebounded from last week's rotten outing, especially on a 33-yard pass to George Kittle that changed the tenor of the game.
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:43 PM
A smart game for Brock Purdy, who gets high marks in Cleveland — including for the throws he didn’t attempts …
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
FB Kyle Juszczyk (ribs) is questionable to return.
November 30, 2025 at 8:30 PM
FB Kyle Juszczyk (ribs) is questionable to return.
49ers sack leaders:
Bryce Huff: 4
Clelin Ferrell: 3
Bryce Huff: 4
Clelin Ferrell: 3
November 30, 2025 at 6:44 PM
49ers sack leaders:
Bryce Huff: 4
Clelin Ferrell: 3
Bryce Huff: 4
Clelin Ferrell: 3
NFL cities in which #49ers interim K Matt Gay has never kicked:
Buffalo
Chicago
Cleveland*
Las Vegas
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
* Plays there today!
Buffalo
Chicago
Cleveland*
Las Vegas
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
* Plays there today!
November 30, 2025 at 4:58 PM
NFL cities in which #49ers interim K Matt Gay has never kicked:
Buffalo
Chicago
Cleveland*
Las Vegas
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
* Plays there today!
Buffalo
Chicago
Cleveland*
Las Vegas
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
* Plays there today!
#49ers inactives
K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
DL Kevin Givens
WR Jordan Watkins
RB Jordan James
OL Connor Colby
Virtually the same as Vs. Panthers except Sam O. is out, Robert Beal is in.
K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
DL Kevin Givens
WR Jordan Watkins
RB Jordan James
OL Connor Colby
Virtually the same as Vs. Panthers except Sam O. is out, Robert Beal is in.
November 30, 2025 at 4:32 PM
#49ers inactives
K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
DL Kevin Givens
WR Jordan Watkins
RB Jordan James
OL Connor Colby
Virtually the same as Vs. Panthers except Sam O. is out, Robert Beal is in.
K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
DL Kevin Givens
WR Jordan Watkins
RB Jordan James
OL Connor Colby
Virtually the same as Vs. Panthers except Sam O. is out, Robert Beal is in.
Starting your Xmas shopping today? Here's the rare book that men/women enjoy equally. I'll be signing books with my sister today from 1-3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble at the Tanforan shopping center in San Bruno. 4.6 stars!
November 29, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Starting your Xmas shopping today? Here's the rare book that men/women enjoy equally. I'll be signing books with my sister today from 1-3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble at the Tanforan shopping center in San Bruno. 4.6 stars!
Reposted by Matt Barrows
New "49ers +/-" episode with @mattbarrows.bsky.social -- first team to 17 (or 14?) could win it in the wind, rain and snow on Sunday in Cleveland. How the 49ers and Brock Purdy can manage it.
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0bCh...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0bCh...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
[49ers +/-] Into the Cleveland Cold & Rain
open.spotify.com
November 29, 2025 at 3:02 AM
New "49ers +/-" episode with @mattbarrows.bsky.social -- first team to 17 (or 14?) could win it in the wind, rain and snow on Sunday in Cleveland. How the 49ers and Brock Purdy can manage it.
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0bCh...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
-Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0bCh...
-Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4...
49ers injury status for Sunday:
Out: LB Tatum Bethune (high ankle), DE Sam Okuayinonu (high ankle), K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
Out: LB Tatum Bethune (high ankle), DE Sam Okuayinonu (high ankle), K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
November 28, 2025 at 9:52 PM
49ers injury status for Sunday:
Out: LB Tatum Bethune (high ankle), DE Sam Okuayinonu (high ankle), K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
Out: LB Tatum Bethune (high ankle), DE Sam Okuayinonu (high ankle), K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring)
Reposted by Matt Barrows
#49ers Brock Purdy to face two forces of nature Sunday: Myles Garrett and a winter storm …
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
November 27, 2025 at 3:47 PM
#49ers Brock Purdy to face two forces of nature Sunday: Myles Garrett and a winter storm …
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...