49ers And Titans Will Each Be Without A Run Stopper
By Jerrell Richardson
As it reads every week, the 49ers injury report looks worse than it actually is. There are a slew of players listed, but the only player who is injured to the point where he is almost certain to sit out this week is Glenn Dorsey. The bad news is that Dorsey is already the back-up and the next man up is undetermined.
That said, San Francisco has several options to fill in for Dorsey and should be OK for this game. The 49ers worries surrounding Chris Johnson will be his ability to elude the linebackers, not so much the point of attack, as Johnson is one of the fastest backs in the league and will not try to make his living between the hash marks.
With Dorsey out, San Francisco will audition several players for the position, and see if they find a winner. Ray McDonald and Justin Smith both have also not practiced, but both will be on the field Sunday.
San Francisco has to list players with even the slightest injury, so while it's no guaranteeing that everyone else is going to play, there is no reason to panic when seeing several members of the offensive line and both starting corners. Perhaps the most interesting injury listed is Mike Iupati who was limited in practice due to a stinger. If the offensive guard is forced to miss a game due to a stinger he would never live it down. Colin Kaepernick, Vernon Davis and Patrick Willis all found their ways to the injury report this week, but all will be suited up come game time.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice
- Alex Boone (Guard): Shoulder
- Glenn Dorsey (Defensive Tackle): Hamstring
- Ray McDonald (Defensive Tackle): Biceps
- Justin Smith (Defensive Tackle): Shoulder
Limited In Practice
- Tarell Brown (Cornerback): Knee
- Anthony Davis (Tackle): Shoulder
- Mike Iupati (Guard): Stinger
- Carlos Rogers (Cornerback): Knee
- Michael Wilhoite (Linebacker): Quadricep
Full Practice
- Vernon Davis (Tight end): Hamstring
- Colin Kaepernick (Quarterback): Foot
- Eric Reid (Safety): Hip, ankle
- Patrick Willis (Linebacker): Groin
Titans are undermanned against the run
The Titans also are in danger of being vulnerable to the run, specifically on their left side. Middle Linebacker Moise Fokou has not been able to practice at all this week and is listed as out. Fokou has been joined on the sidelines by left defensive end Derrick Morgan as well as safety Bernard Pollard. The team's leading tackler is Pollard, which is startling that a defensive back leads the team in tackles, and right behind him is Fokou. Tennessee may have the bodies available to fill these voids, but not the talent. If able to play, Pollard will find it difficult supporting the run with a bum ankle, and although Vernon Davis' hamstring is not 100 percent, Pollard could have even more problems in coverage.
Quarterback Jack Locker returned to the practice field, but all signs points to Tennessee sending out Ryan Fitzpatrick to lead the Titans.
Tennessee Titans
Did Not Participate In Practice
- Moise Fokou (Linebacker): Knee
- Zaviar Gooden (Linebacker): Hamstring
- Derrick Morgan (Defensive End): Shoulder
- Bernard Pollard (Safety): Ankle
Limited In Practice
- Patrick Bailey (Linebacker): Hamstring
- Shonn Greene (Running back): Knee
- Jake Locker (Hip, Knee)
Full Practice
- Jackie Battle (Running back): Neck
- Lavar Edwards (Defensive End): Shoulder
- Sammie Hill (Defensive Tackle): Ankle
- David Stewart (Tackle): Ankle
- Rob Turner (Guard/Center): Shoulder
- Blidi Wreh-Wilson (Cornerback): Hamstring
Can Titans break the streak?
Every team that has played the Seattle Seahawks this season has lost the following week, and the Titans will look to break this streak Sunday. While this is a trend that figures to eventually fall this year, it does not appear as though this is the week. The Titans are beat up, especially at the linebacking position, and facing the fifth leading rusher in the NFL and a 49er team that has stayed committed to the run in recent weeks.
For more 49ers news and updates, visit 49ers Central.
Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
