49ers Defy Logic, Enter Game Against Giants At Full Strength
Despite the physical punishment that comes with a tpyical day at the office for a football player, San Francisco continues to defy logic when it comes to their injury report. Their list has continued to dwindle down since the start of the season, and although 2 very important names are listed, only one is new, and none are a real concern. In fact they are essentially completely healthy as they prepare to take on the defending Super Bowl Champions.
Smith's Finger Is Ok
The only news injury wise, the 49ers had all week has Alex Smith's hand. By injuring a finger on his throwing hand in his final play against Buffalo there were of course some questions. Smith's answer as remained the same though, it's no big deal, and this was backed up by his coach. During the week Smith was able to participate in all elements of practice, and did not experience any real pain, and saw no effect on his accuracy. This is important, as the last time the two teams met a lot of blame feel to Smith and his inability to put his team over the top, therefore they will need him to be at 100% if they hope to exact revenge against New York for ending San Francisco's 2011 season.
Brandon Jacobs Debut?
Last week Brandon Jacobs had everyone fooled. Throughout the week he stated a few times that he was ready for action, but his comments were a bit premature. The running back was held out of action last Sunday after it was reported that his body didn't respond how the team would have liked after a full week of practice. The team still has the depth at the position to rest Jacobs if he is not ready to go, but it would be hard to imagine that he will not be on the field to take on his former team, especially after he thought he was good enough to play the week before. Andy Lee's name remains on the list, but as he has shown, his injury has absolutely no effect on his play.
Giants Missing Pieces On Offense
New York on the other hand will have to enter the game with a variety of players out or nursing some injury. They biggest loss they will have to overcome is starting tight end Martellus Bennett. He has been a surprise for the Giants this season, with 3 touchdown receptions, and as Kyle Rudolph proved in the 49ers only loss so far, they can be hurt by their opponents tight end. The other Giants out are not starters, and the team will only miss them if an injury during the game makes the teams depth important. The Giants will need the services of Hakeem Nicks though, who was limited all week after sitting out Wednesday's practice. His role is huge as though ut's Victor Cruz that gets all the attention, its Nicks that prevents teams from shifting all their attention to Cruz. Without Nicks, Cruz will find himself doubled on most downs.
As they have every game this year, the 49ers will enter the game the more healthy team. Their physical style of play makes it difficult for any team to compete with them for 4 quarters, and a team beat up will face an even more uphill climb. The Giants still have all their main components though, and will give the 49ers a fight on Sunday, regardless of who is on the field.
San Francisco 49ers
Questionable:
Brandon Jacobs (Running back)--Knee
Probable:
Andy Lee (Punter)--Hand
Alex Smith (Quarterback)--Right finger
New York Giants
Out:
Rocky Bernard (Defensive Tackle)--Quadricep
Andre Brown (Running Back)--Concussion
Kenny Phillips (Safety)--Knee
Questionable:
Hakeem Nicks (Wide receiver)--Foot, Knee
Corey Webster (Cornerback)--Hand, Hamstring
David Diehl (Tackle)--Knee
Probable:
Martellus Bennett (Tight End)--Knee
Chase Blackburn (Linebacker)--Hip
Michael Boley (Linebacker)--Hip
Ramses Barden (Wide receiver)--Concussion
Jayron Hosley (Cornerback)--Hamstring
Keith Rivers (Linebacker)--Hamstring
Antrel Rolle (Safety)--Knee
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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.
