49ers At Full Strength And Calvin Johnson Will Be Ready
By Jerrell Richardson
After one week, San Francisco is still relatively healthy. There were some new names that popped up earlier in the week on their injury report, but both are listed due more to precautionary reasons then a legitimate chance to miss the game. Detroit had far more names on their list throughout the week, and although only one name really stands out, its the others that should have Lion fans concerned.
San Francisco 49ers
Questionable
Tedd Ginn (Wide Receiver): Ankle; Brandon Jacobs (Running Back): Knee
Probable
NaVorro Bowmen (Line backer): Shoulder; Andy Lee (Punter): Hand
Detroit Lions
Out
Dwight Bently (Cornerback): Concussion
Doubtful
Louis Delmas (Safety): Knee; Travis Lewis (Linebacker): Quadricep; Chris Houston (Cornerback): ankle
Probable
Calvin Johnson (Wide Receiver): Foot
Questionable
Lawrence Jackson (Defensive End): Calf; Corey Williams (defensive Tackle): Knee
Injuries Will Not Effect 49ers
The 49ers have plenty of depth at both running back and wide receiver, and the two players expected to miss the game, Ted Ginn Jr. and Brandon Jacobs will not be missed. They were absent in the Week 1 victory over the Packers and the team can afford for them to miss another game while they get healthy. Both NaVorro Bowmen and Andy Lee are another story though as the two play a crucial roles in the 49ers success, so its a good sign that they are probable. Lee is responsible for pinning the opposition deep as well and keeping the opposition on their side of the 50, and Bowmen has played so well since his emergence into the line up that All-Pro Patrick Willis is no longer needed to record 20 plus tackles per game.
No need to worry though as Andy Lee who injured his hand attempting to bring down Randall Cobb on his punt return last week and NaVorro Bowmen who has a sore shoulder, are both expected to be at full strength for the game and to make their customary impacts.
Detroit May Be Short Handed on Defense
Detroit on the other hand had a cast of players who missed practice throughout the week, but the man whose name being listed that caused excitement for various reasons was Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson. The game changer says he is fine and that he just wanted to give his foot a day to heal on Wednesday, and was reported to return to full practice on Thursday but the fact that he needed that day is an indication that he is not 100%. Keep in mind though that at half speed he is still a match up nightmare.
There should be some concern though from the Lions as outside of Johnson all the players who might not suit up on Sunday play defense where the Lions will need as many bodies as possible to help stop the physical style of the 49ers. Their names are not those usually grabbing headlines, but no player in the NFL is really insignificant and if called to duty would be expected to contribute. At the start of the game a few missing bodies may not mean a whole lot, but they may come into play if there are any new injuries from the game, which can only be expected when playing a team like the 49ers (see Packers Week 2 injury report).
For more Local Football Bloggers and the latest 49er news, see CBS Sports Sacramento.
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. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
