Despite a lengthy injury list by the end of the Giants game last Sunday, the 49ers look to be in good shape for Sunday's divisional contest against the Seattle Seahawks.
Tackle Jonas Jennings, safety Dashon Goldson and defensive end Ray McDonald were ruled out earlier in the week, but other starters including cornerback Nate Clements, safeties Michael Lewis and Mark Roman, and return specialist Allen Rossum returned for a full practice on Friday and are probable for the game. Wide receiver Josh Morgan, who saw significant action and led the 49ers receiving efforts last week also took a full practice and is probable.
"I think we had a good week and I think we finished on a good note," said head coach Mike Singletary. "We'll see how it transfers from here to there: the game. But I think the guys are ready, loose and ready to go."
Singletary said a replacement starter for McDonald hasn't been decided upon quite yet. Although it likely won't be rookie Kentwan Balmer, Singletary said he does expect the first-round pick to see his most extensive action.
"Kentwan has to play a little bit more. He should be ready to go," said Singletary. "That's the way the game is. One guy goes down, the other guy has to step in. I don't anticipate any letdowns, or anything like that. We just have to go. When you are a rookie, I think it's one of those things, if he was really ready to go, he would have been playing more by now, but I think he's getting better. That's all you can ask. Get better each day, get better each game, and hopefully at some point in time, he's starting."
Singletary Keeping Focus on Team
Coach Singletary has been asked to do several national media interviews this week, but unless it's been mandatory, Singletary said he's declined those requests.
"Whatever I have to do, I'll do. If I don't have to do it, the team needs all the focus and attention. I can talk to the media anytime. They are constantly talking anyways. For me, it's just having your priorities where you need to be and right now, that's getting your team ready to play a good football team, and win. That's it."
Captains
The four team captains, voted on by the team at the beginning of the season, will also serve as the weekly captains for the remainder of the season. Those four captains include Eric Heitmann, Walt Harris, Michael Robinson, and Joe Staley.
Throwbacks
In honor of Alumni Weekend, the 49ers will be wearing throwback uniforms from the 80's and 90's on Sunday.
Seattle Front