O-Line Banged Up
I doubt Mike Nolan was expecting to go into the opening preseason game with four out of five offensive linemen missing or playing a different position. Guard Justin Smiley joined center Jeremy Newberry (knee) rookie guard David Baas (groin) and left tackle Jonas Jennings (finger) on the sideline for the last two days of practice. Smiley had fluid drained from his thigh after getting struck by the helmet of nose guard Anthony Adams. Smiley believes he will be ready for the Raiders game. Mike Nolan, however, isn't overly concerned."I certainly want those other guys back," Nolan said after practice Tuesday. "We are going to get a good feel for the backups. That's the positive. "
More Offensive Line Notes:
Three O-line starters missing vs. Raiders
Oakland Tribune: "The 49ers may have their $24million quarterback in the starting lineup for Saturday night's preseason opener against the Raiders, but if Alex Smith does start, he will have to count on an offensive line missing three starters."
Offensive-Line depth will get an early test
Mercury News: "Early in training camp, the 49ers' offensive-line depth is being severely tested. Coach Mike Nolan said Tuesday that left guard Justin Smiley has a bruised left calf, leaving him questionable for the 49ers' exhibition opener Saturday night against the Raiders at Monster Park."
Offensive line hit by injuries
Sacramento Bee: "Four-fifths of the 49ers' starting offensive line missed practice Tuesday, raising the questions: Who exactly will be protecting $50 million quarterback Alex Smith in Saturday's scrimmage against the Raiders?"
More Niner News...
49ers Notes:
Top pick spices it up a little
Sacramento Bee: "None other than the No. 1 overall pick of the draft, Alex Smith. If that's not motivation for a Raiders' defense that underachieved last season and remains under scrutiny two weeks into training camp, then what is?"
Barlow's game plan: Go all out
Mercury News: "Like everyone else, Coach Mike Nolan was startled by the drop-off in Kevan Barlow's play last season. Barlow is vowing that it won't happen again, and to help him keep his word, Nolan has brought in a no-nonsense running-backs coach (Bishop Harris) and a promising rookie (Frank Gore) to compete for the job."
Morton is expected to receive - and give
Sacramento Bee: "Enter Johnnie Morton, a veteran free agent acquired in June. Morton comes to town with the dual purpose of becoming one of those targets and to lend his expertise to what basically is an inexperienced corps of receivers."
Sights and sounds from 49ers training camp
Sacramento Bee: "Anyone keeping score during Tuesday's team drills would have given the advantage to the defense. Inside linebacker Derek Smith started things off by slicing through the line and wrapping up running back Terry Jackson on the first snap."
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