NFC West Notebook: 49ers’ WR Future, Rams’ Atwell Dilemma, and Riq Woolen’s Redemption
As the NFC West playoff picture sharpens, some teams are already looking toward 2026. Between looming free agency decisions, roster logjams, and emerging young talent, there’s no shortage of storylines to track. Let’s take a closer look at where things stand with the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
49ers: WR Room Could See Major Overhaul
The 49ers are in the thick of another playoff push, but there’s an eye toward the future-especially at wide receiver. Depending on how things shake out in free agency, San Francisco could be looking at a major reset at the position. Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Kendrick Bourne are all on contracts that could expire, and if none return, the Niners may be forced to prioritize wide receiver early in the 2026 draft.
Two names that have caught the organization’s attention: Washington’s Denzel Boston and Louisville’s Chris Bell. Both project as early-round picks and bring the kind of size-speed combo Kyle Shanahan typically covets. Boston’s route running and physicality stand out, while Bell offers versatility and upside that could fit nicely into the 49ers’ dynamic offense.
There’s also some intrigue around tight end Kyle Pitts, who’s set to hit free agency. Pitts hasn’t quite lived up to his draft billing in Atlanta, but his athletic profile still makes him a fascinating chess piece.
Shanahan could envision him in the “big slot” role-think more oversized wideout than traditional tight end. It’s a long shot, but the fit would be intriguing in this offense.
Meanwhile, rookie wideout Jacob Cowing is nearing full health after a hamstring injury, but there’s simply no space for him on the active roster right now. The team is deep at receiver, and barring an injury, he may have to wait for his shot.
On the defensive side, there’s cautious optimism around Fred Warner’s return. He’s dealing with an injury that typically requires a 16-week recovery.
The wildcard round would be about 13 weeks out, so if the 49ers make a deep playoff run, there’s a chance Warner could be back in time to rejoin the defense. That would be a massive boost for a unit that leans heavily on his leadership and playmaking.
Rams: Tutu Atwell’s Role Still in Limbo
Tutu Atwell remains on injured reserve, and while he’s eligible to return, the Rams haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Head coach Sean McVay chalked it up to “roster management,” but it’s clear there’s more to the situation than just numbers on a depth chart.
“I love Tutu. Love everything he’s about,” McVay said. “Would like to be able to figure out a way to get him going and get him involved.”
That says a lot. McVay isn’t one to hide how he feels about players, and his praise for Atwell is genuine.
But he also acknowledged that some of the decisions around Atwell’s status are out of the receiver’s hands. It’s a reminder that in the NFL, talent doesn’t always guarantee opportunity-especially when roster math gets complicated late in the season.
Despite being sidelined, Atwell’s presence is still being felt. Wide receiver Xavier Smith credited him as a mentor, especially in the return game.
“When it’s my turn,” Smith said, “I just want to kind of follow those same footsteps and do it just as good as he does.”
That’s the kind of locker room impact that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet but matters when you’re building a culture. Whether or not Atwell gets activated down the stretch, he’s clearly made an impression on the next wave of Rams receivers.
Seahawks: Riq Woolen Reclaims His Moment
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster season for Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen. After bursting onto the scene last year, he lost his starting role earlier this season. But in Week 13’s win over the Vikings, Woolen reminded everyone why he was such a breakout star in the first place-recording his first interception of the year and playing with the kind of edge that made him a fan favorite.
Head coach Mike Macdonald made a point to recognize Woolen’s resilience.
“Want to make sure that we’re giving him the proper credit on how he’s played this year,” Macdonald said. “He’s had the attitude, the intent, the daily preparation.
He’s doing a tremendous job. He’s been a great teammate.”
That’s high praise, especially from a coach who values consistency and mindset as much as talent. Woolen’s ability to stay locked in, even while riding the bench, speaks volumes about his maturity. And now, with Seattle fighting for a playoff spot, his resurgence could be coming at just the right time.
Bottom Line
For the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks, the storylines go beyond the box scores. Whether it’s San Francisco planning for a potential WR overhaul, the Rams navigating a roster crunch with a talented but sidelined receiver, or the Seahawks watching a young cornerback bounce back from adversity-each team is managing its own version of transition and opportunity.
And as the playoff race heats up, the decisions made now could shape not just the rest of this season, but the identity of these franchises moving forward.