Thursday Night Football: Rams, 49ers tied 3-3 in punt-fest

The rain won out in the first half as the 49ers and Rams combined for six points, 197 yards, nine first downs and 11punts.

The NFC West rivals are tied 3-3 at halftime in a messy game Thursday night.

Battling a steady rain that was heavy at times, the teams combined for only one play of more than 20 yards. 49ers tight end George Kittle caught a 33-yard pass from Brock Purdy on San Francisco's second drive. It set up a 53-yard field goal by Jake Moody.

The 49ers had 108 yards in the first half, with Purdy going 9-of-19 for 96 yards. Kittle caught two passes for 43 yards, and Jauan Jennings made two receptions for 31 yards.

The 49ers tried to force feed Deebo Samuel early, but he finished with only 19 yards on five touches.

The Rams didn't pick up their initial first down until their fifth drive, and their scoring drive was only 20 yards. Rams returner Xavier Smith returned a punt 10 yards to the Los Angeles 45, and they gained another 5 yards on an illegal formation on the 49ers on the punt.

Rams rookie kicker Joshua Karty had his 48-yard field goal hit the finger tip of 49ers defensive lineman Jordan Elliott but went through.

The Rams have 89 yards, with Matthew Stafford going 4-fo-12 for 23 yards. Puka Nacua has three catches for 19 yards, and Cooper Kupp has yet to make his first reception. Kyren Williams has 14 carries for 44 yards.

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is making his 2024 debut after working his way back from a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl, a team-best eight tackles. Rams defensive end Kobie Turner has two sacks of Purdy.