“No Days Off, No Halloween”: 49ers Rookie Stays Late After Texans Loss to Prove Himself
Santa Clara, CA – While most players left the facility to enjoy a rare day off — and some even headed out for Halloween festivities — one 49ers rookie decided there would be no rest, no celebration, and no excuses. Following San Francisco’s 31-24 loss to the Houston Texans, the young defensive back was spotted staying behind at the practice facility long after sunset, running drills alone under the dim lights of Levi’s Stadium.
The move came after a tough outing that left fans and analysts questioning his readiness for the NFL level. According to Pro Football Focus, the rookie allowed 6 receptions on 8 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown, including two critical third-down conversions that extended Houston’s scoring drives. His missed tackle on wideout Nico Collins late in the third quarter also led to a 28-yard gain that helped set up the Texans’ go-ahead touchdown.
Coaches acknowledged that nerves may have played a role, as the rookie was tasked with replacing a veteran starter and handling extended coverage responsibilities against one of the AFC’s top passing offenses. Despite the criticism, his decision to stay behind — helmet still on, sweat dripping under the California night — showed a maturity beyond his rookie status.
That player was Upton Stout, the 49ers’ undrafted rookie cornerback who’s been fighting for a spot in the rotation. Determined to learn from his mistakes, Stout reportedly reviewed game film with defensive assistants before heading back out to the field to practice footwork, reaction timing, and tackling form — alone, long after the stadium had emptied.
No days off for 49ers rookie CB Upton Stout pic.twitter.com/AFZamnwC9x
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) May 4, 2025
Veteran tight end George Kittle, when asked about Stout’s extra effort, couldn’t help but smile.
“You love to see that kind of hunger,” Kittle said. “Everybody struggles at some point, but not everyone handles it the right way. He didn’t hide, he didn’t make excuses — he went right back to work. That’s the kind of mentality that builds champions.”
However, that relentless drive came at a cost. Team officials confirmed Thursday that Stout sustained a minor shoulder strain during an extended individual workout session, believed to have occurred while he practiced tackling drills on padded sleds for nearly an hour past midnight. While the injury isn’t considered serious, he’s expected to be limited in practice for the next several days.
Even so, coaches praised his effort, saying his dedication reflects the “grind-first” culture that defines the 49ers. For Upton Stout, one difficult game might have sparked the lesson of his young career — that greatness requires balance, not just effort.
49ers Veteran Offensive Tackle Arrested Hours After Team Release
San Francisco, CA — The San Francisco 49ers confirmed early Tuesday morning that a recently released veteran offensive lineman was arrested in downtown San Jose late Monday night, just hours after being informed of his release from the team.
According to police reports, the player was taken into custody on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. The incident reportedly occurred near a bar shortly after midnight, where witnesses say the man had been drinking heavily before getting behind the wheel.
Authorities stated that when approached by officers, he became verbally aggressive and refused to comply with commands, prompting his arrest. The incident came only hours after the player had received notice of his termination from the team — a decision that, according to sources, had deeply affected him.
The lineman, later identified as Brandon Parker, had signed with San Francisco earlier this season to provide veteran depth and leadership on the offensive line. A former starter with the Raiders, Parker had spent much of the past two seasons battling injuries and was part of the 49ers’ practice squad rotation before his release on October 28.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation during Tuesday’s media availability, saying:
“It’s a tough situation. He’s always been a respected guy here — hardworking, dependable, and well-liked by everyone in this building. When we heard the news, our first step was to make sure he’s safe and getting the help he needs. We’re not here to judge him — we’re here to help him find his way back. Once a Niner, always part of our family.”
The 49ers organization later issued a statement through Shanahan, reaffirming their support for the veteran:
“The organization has reached out privately to provide both legal and emotional assistance, ensuring he receives the proper guidance moving forward.”
Sources within the team said the incident is being handled internally with empathy and discretion. Team leaders emphasized that while accountability is important, the focus remains on helping a longtime professional through one of the most difficult moments of his career.
