Fred Warner wants more

“Part of the difference from Warner’s rookie season is that he reads the game quicker. He can, as he put it, ‘surgically diagnose’ what the offense is doing and relay that to the rest of the defense. That pre-snap assessment allows him to react instinctively.

“That’s why I feel like I’m playing at a different speed now,” Warner said. “Even though I’m not necessarily faster, I see things in the room differently.”

How George Kittle “frustrates” Fred Warner at 49ers practice

“You know what, it’s a little different for Fred because his buddy Dre Greenlaw isn’t here right now,” Kittle said. “The two of them exchange a lot of energy. People he talks bad to? I’d say it’s either the running backs or occasionally me or (Brock) Purdy.”

“He wants someone to talk bad about him and I usually ignore him because it frustrates him. That’s pretty much one of my favorite things to do: frustrate Fred Warner.”

Breer predicts when the 49ers will sign Aiyuk and Williams

“I’d say Labor Day weekend is a fair target,” Breer wrote in his mailbag piece for Sports Illustrated. “I think we’re taking care of both.”

The 49ers are reportedly close to a Brandon Aiyuk deal. What is the reason for the delay? (Paywall)

What’s the reason for the delay? A complicating factor could be one absence and another absence. Two other All-Pro wide receivers, Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb and Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase, also have not participated in training camps while they seek new contracts. General manager John Lynch was asked on KNBR on Thursday if the choppy market for top wide receivers is impacting negotiations with Aiyuk.

“I think everything plays a role in this situation,” said Lynch, asked specifically about Lamb. “That’s the market in general. That’s the market for his specific position. So it’s fluid. And that makes these things difficult sometimes. And our own limitations because we’ve rewarded so many of our players.”

Lombardi is happy to return to the 49ers after a rollercoaster ride in the NFL

“Lombardi began his coaching career with Harbaugh. In his short time with Shanahan, he sees similarities between the 49ers’ two most successful coaches of the last three decades.

Shanahan takes a hands-on approach and is considered one of the best offensive players in the game today. Harbaugh, on the other hand, is more of a CEO type who focuses on culture and mindset.

“They approach it in different ways, but they’re trying to get to the same goal,” Lombardi said. “When the ball goes off on Sunday, they want to be the strongest team physically and mentally to handle any adversity that comes their way in the game.”

Five 49ers to watch in the 2024 season finale against the Raiders

“While San Francisco will want to take something from its final preseason game, it is much more important for the team to get through the game without injuries to key players that would carry over into the regular season.”

Maiocco’s 53-man roster projection ahead of the 49ers’ season finale

“There doesn’t seem to be much that separates Burford, Zakelj, Hubbard, Parker, Bartch and Kingston. Only three of that group will make the 53-man roster, but those who aren’t there could find their way back to the practice squad.”

49ers extend one-year contract with experienced tight end Thomas

“The 49ers have brought back a familiar face, signing veteran tight end Logan Thomas to a one-year extension, the team announced Thursday.”

Five 49ers to watch in Friday’s season finale against the Raiders (Paywall)

“It’s possible that a strong performance on Friday will erase any doubts the 49ers may have about starting Mustapha in their prime-time regular-season opener against the Jets, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers can’t wait to challenge him.

Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen largely dismissed concerns about two plays Sunday in which Mustapha failed to make the tackle despite being in excellent position. On one play, he said, Mustapha was brought down. On the other play, Sorensen said, he hesitated, which Sorensen viewed as an aberration due to Mustapha’s typical aggressiveness.”

A thought on Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and every defensive player on the 49ers (paywall)

“A hamstring injury hurt him in the final stages of last season. Hargrave says he’s healthy now. Ideally, the 49ers can strengthen their run defense elsewhere enough to allow Hargrave to fully utilize his specialty. That’s rushing the passer.”