Priority: Protect Smith
When rookie quarterback Alex Smith returns to the 49ers' starting lineup Sunday against Arizona, he'll be playing behind a reconstituted offensive line that mirrors his own inexperience.
Fellow rookies Adam Snyder and David Baas will be at left tackle and right guard, respectively. Eric Heitmann, a fourth-year pro, shifts from right guard to make his second career start at center in place of Jeremy Newberry, who's awaiting season-ending surgery on his right knee.
Left guard Justin Smiley and right tackle Kwame Harris are the only offensive linemen who have remained in place all season, but both are in their first year as starters at their current positions.
But all of them, even Baas, who is making his first start, know what to expect from Arizona's defense Sunday.
More Niner News...
Long downpour is a good reason to hold short...
San Francisco Chronicle: Despite the heavy downpour Thursday afternoon, the 49ers went through their paces on a soggy practice field but cut about 40 minutes from the session after working on short-yardage, goal-line and red-zone plays.
Kickers hurting; 0-0 tie possible?
Mercury News: Gotta love the cultural contribution of fantasy football that allows Neil Rackers to create a household crisis.
Nedney misses another practice
Mercury News: Kicker Joe Nedney, hobbled by a groin injury, missed practice for a second day in succession Thursday and remained questionable for the 49ers' game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
49ers plug in rookies on O-line
Contra Costa Times: When rookie quarterback Alex Smith returns to the 49ers' starting lineup Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, he'll be playing behind a reconstituted offensive line that mirrors his own inexperience.
Filed Under: 49ers
Fellow rookies Adam Snyder and David Baas will be at left tackle and right guard, respectively. Eric Heitmann, a fourth-year pro, shifts from right guard to make his second career start at center in place of Jeremy Newberry, who's awaiting season-ending surgery on his right knee.
Left guard Justin Smiley and right tackle Kwame Harris are the only offensive linemen who have remained in place all season, but both are in their first year as starters at their current positions.
But all of them, even Baas, who is making his first start, know what to expect from Arizona's defense Sunday.
More Niner News...
Long downpour is a good reason to hold short...
San Francisco Chronicle: Despite the heavy downpour Thursday afternoon, the 49ers went through their paces on a soggy practice field but cut about 40 minutes from the session after working on short-yardage, goal-line and red-zone plays.
Kickers hurting; 0-0 tie possible?
Mercury News: Gotta love the cultural contribution of fantasy football that allows Neil Rackers to create a household crisis.
Nedney misses another practice
Mercury News: Kicker Joe Nedney, hobbled by a groin injury, missed practice for a second day in succession Thursday and remained questionable for the 49ers' game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
49ers plug in rookies on O-line
Contra Costa Times: When rookie quarterback Alex Smith returns to the 49ers' starting lineup Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, he'll be playing behind a reconstituted offensive line that mirrors his own inexperience.
Filed Under: 49ers
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