49ers QB CJ Beathard Hurt His Back Trying to Mimic Russell Wilson in Practice
By Jerry Trotta
We don't even want to think about how much game-planning goes into trying to "contain" Russell Wilson.
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has been tasked with that burden ahead of Week 10's Monday night tilt vs. the Seattle Seahawks, and he's trying to be as detailed as possible. Unfortunately for him, it came at a (minor) cost.
Richard Sherman disclosed to NBC Sports' Jennifer Lee Chan that back-up quarterback CJ Beathard strained his back while trying to impersonate Wilson during practice on Friday.
Sherman revealed that C.J. Beathard strained his back yesterday on scout team trying to play the role of Russell Wilson.
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) November 8, 2019
He laughed as he said it - Not funny because he hurt himself - but funny because that's not his role.
We obviously wish a clean bill of health for Beathard, but what did the 49ers coaching staff think would happen trying to have the Iowa product mimic the clear-cut MVP favorite through nine weeks?
No disrespect to Beathard, but he's not exactly a mobile QB. Across 13 starts in the NFL, he's logged just 205 rushing yards, good for a measly 15.8 per game.
There is only one Wilson, and while he's sensational at what he does, only he is capable of doing it and teams should just stick to reviewing game film when preparing to face him.
"He’s creating a lot of nightmares lately,” - #49ers DC Robert Saleh on Russell Wilson’s recent play.
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) November 8, 2019
Let Beathard's injury serve as a warning to other teams around the league who are thinking about having their second-stringers replicate the skills of Wilson during practice.