49ers

Aaron Banks, the 49ers guard, sustained a partially torn MCL during Week 16, resulting in his absence for the remainder of the season. As a pending free agent anticipating a salary increase, Banks is aware that his future with the team is uncertain due to their financial priorities. However, he is not letting the thought of free agency dominate his mindset.

“That’s a real situation about what’s to come,” Banks stated, as reported by Matt Maiocco of NBCSports Bay Area. “I’ll cross that bridge when it’s time to cross that bridge.”

“I’m just trying to take each day as it comes while I’m still here, and hopefully, I will remain here. But you never know where things will go. So, I choose not to dwell on it too much, as it won’t provide any answers or change anything. Wasting energy on that thought process isn’t beneficial.”

• In Week 16, 49ers DL Jordan Elliott was fined $11,774 for unnecessary roughness (hip-drop tackle), RB Patrick Taylor received a $5,861 fine for unnecessary roughness (low block), and LB Fred Warner was fined $16,883 for unnecessary roughness (hip-drop tackle).

Cardinals

• Cardinals LB Kyzir White faced a fine of $16,883 for roughing the passer (blow to the head/neck) in Week 16.

Rams

Rams head coach Sean McVay praised CB Ahkello Witherspoon for his game-sealing interception that secured a victory over the Cardinals.

“It was great to see Ahkello Witherspoon come up with that critical interception. We decided to go after him with a zero blitz, and the team executed it perfectly,” said McVay after the game, via NFL.com.

“It serves as a friendly reminder that the game is never over,” Witherspoon reflected on his pivotal interception. “It’s part of my experience over the past eight years in this profession. Making impactful plays is something I strive for. Staying consistent has always been my focus, and when the moment arises, I’m ready.”

“This is a mentally tough team,” McVay added. “We’ve been resilient, especially after coming off the bye with a 1-4 record and focusing on finishing games. While it hasn’t been perfect, we’ve managed to conclude nine out of our eleven games positively.”

• Rams LB Jared Verse was fined $15,287 for unnecessary roughness in Week 16.

Seahawks

• Seahawks CB Josh Jobe was fined $5,472 for unnecessary roughness (blindside block), while CB Byron Murphy received a fine of $11,255 for unnecessary roughness (facemask) in Week 16.