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For the 49ers, some 8-1 starts are better than others.

The 49ers are not getting healthier. While it seemed like everything was lining up for some key returns, the injury bug has not dissipated in the slightest.

Say the words “tails” out loud. Now say the word “heads” out loud. Now mumble both. Do they sound similar? NFL referee Alex Kemp seemed to think so on Monday night when the Seattle Seahawks and 49ers had their overtime coin toss.

Kendrick Bourne had a good day. Then, he had a very bad day. Then, he sort of redeemed himself… before un-redeeming himself yet again.

The story of this week was how the 49ers were about to return at least three of their key players in Mike McGlinchey, Joe Staley and Kyle Juszczyk.

Don’t tell Dre Greenlaw he’s made it. With Kwon Alexander’s season-ending pectoral tear, Greenlaw has instantly become the 49ers’ new starting weak side linebacker.

The 49ers will head into Monday night with a likely triplet of returnees while simultaneously losing a pair, and having to wait one more week for an additional reinforcement.

Maybe nothing changes. If that’s the case, all the talk of the 49ers and Seahawks renewing their rivalry will lack the charming denigrations its most prolific talker, Richard Sherman.

Part of the 49ers’ weekly preparation involves the scout team quarterback imitating, to the best of their ability, the upcoming opposing quarterback.

Of the three candidates reported to be finalists for the Giants’ managerial position, only one has experience leading a major league club.