No Excuses When San Francisco 49ers Face Seattle Seahawks Thursday
By Jerrell Richardson
Due to such a quick turnaround with a Thursday game, both San Francisco and Seattle will have concerns about injuries. This is the NFL where everyone has at least a minor bump or bruise, so to give a team so little time to recover is always a test for the players' bodies. There are some new names littered on the San Francisco injury report, but as has been the case all year, the 49ers are healthy for the most part. Both teams will enter the game with all their major pieces, which is all they could ask for in such a pivotal division game.
Staley Recovers From Concussion
San Francisco offensive tackle Joe Staley suffered a concussion in last week's defeat and has yet to be cleared to play. Due to the close eye that the NFL keeps on concussions, he will need to pass a series of tests before allowed back on the field, so his status will most likely be a game time decision. As it usually takes players up until the last minute for a normal Sunday game to get clearance, the assumption is that Staley will not be in uniform. However, he has not been ruled out. When considering that they will be up against a Seahawks defense that (this year) has played better then the New York Giants team that didn't allow a touchdown last week, not having one of their best offensive lineman could spell trouble for San Francisco. Mario Manningham is sporting a injured shoulder that limited his time in practice, but it does not appear to be major. The rest of the team participated in the team's full practice and all should be strapped up on Thursday.
Is This The Week?
The big question for the 49ers is if running back Brandon Jacobs will play. Despite all signs pointing to him playing the past two weeks, he has been a no-show. After the team struggled on the ground last week, it would be a major boast to get his power back into the lineup. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter have carried the load for the entire season and the injection of Jacobs into the mix will give the team another body to take some punishment, but more importantly it will offer the stark contrast in styles needed to keep their opponents off guard. The team also has Anthony Dixon at this position, but there has been a lack of a power element to the rushing attack and Jacobs may be just what the offense needs to get back on track.
Seahawks Are Healthy
Seattle could see all four of their players listed on the injury report miss the game, but the result would not be major. Guard John Moffitt is already listed as out for the game, and the rest of the players have all missed some practice. Safty Kam Chancellor is the only starter listed, so the injured players do not figure to play a big role in the outcome of the game.
This game will answer a lot of questions for both teams. It's important that they are at full strength, so there is no tainting the winner. The winner and loser of this game will have no excuses other than they lost to a better team. Outside of a controversial finish (see Seattle against Green Bay), the winner of the game will be able to say that after seven weeks they have the early lead in the race to the NFC West Crown.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Practice
- Kicker: David Akers-Ilness
Limited Practice
- Tackle: Joe Staley-Concussion
- Wide Receiver: Mario Manningham-Shoulder
Full Practice
- Quarterback: Alex Smith-Right Finger
- Running back: Brandon Jacobs-Knee
- Punter: Andy Lee-Hand
- Linebacker: Tavares Gooden-Groin
Seattle Seahawks
Out
- Guard: John Moffitt-Knee
Limited Practice
- Safety: Kam Chancellor-Ankle
Did Not Practice
- Cornerback: Byron Maxwell-Hamstring
Full Practice
- Defensive Tackle: Clinton McDonald-Groin
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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.
