Pregame Injuries Won't Affect Smash Mouth NFC Match-Up Between 49ers And Seahawks
By Jerrell Richardson
The Sunday Night game between the 49ers and Seahawks is going to feature two of the most physical teams in the NFL. With two smash mouth teams hitting the field, injuries are a concern for both sides, but at least entering the game, both have to be content. There is no surprise for the sole 49er expected to miss the game, and while Seattle has a handful of players listed, most have just been limited in practice, and will be on the field for this battle for NFC West bragging rights.
San Francisco 49ers
LaMichael James (Running Back)-Knee: Has not practiced this week.
LaMichael James has not practiced for the second straight week, after injuring his knee in the preseason. While he serves as San Francisco's lightening in a bottle, the 49ers should have no problems at the running back position until he returns. With the Packers game plan in Week 1 to take away any running threat, the 49ers were able to rest Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter who should be fresh for this game. This will be a key, as the offense has to be balanced this week to keep the Seahawks defense honest. The team also has running back Anthony Dixon who felt it necessary to give the Seahawks some bulletin board material, calling them the "She Hawks" and if needed is ready for some on-field action.
With no other injuries listed, San Francisco can only hope they leave this game as they entered.
Seattle Seahawks
Brandon Browner (Cornerback)-Hamstring: Has not practiced this week
Jordan Hill (Defensive Tackle)-Biceps: Has not practiced this week
Jeron Johnson (Safety)-Hamstring: Has not practiced this week
Brandon Mebane (Defensive Tackle)-Ankle: Limited practice this week
Cliff Avril (Defensive End)-Hamstring: Limited practice
Michael Bowie (Tackle)-Shoulder: Limited practice
Chris Clemons (Defensive End)-Knee: limited practice
Sidney Rice (Wide Receiver)-Knee: Limited practice
Luke Wilson (Tight End)-Oblique: Full practice
Seattle on the other hand has multiple players nursing various injuries that have at least limited their practice time this week. But, the big name, who has not even practiced this week is Brandon Browner. While he is not as well-known as his fellow cornerback Richard Sherman, Browner is a major part of the Seattle defense, and even if able to play, it's clear that he is not 100 percent. With either a hurt Browner, or his replacement, the side of the field for the 49ers to attack will be the one without Richard Sherman.
The rest of the Seahawks walking wounded are either backups or going to play.
It All Will Be Decided On The Field
As the NFL schedule makers rightfully thought, this is going to be the game of the week and that's why it's being played on Sunday night. With no real injuries on either side of the ball to help sway the outcome, the best team should win this battle of the titans. The winner will essentially send a message to the rest of the NFL, that the best team in football after two weeks is in the NFC West.
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.
