Hey everybody, this is Fooch from Niners Nation, the SB Nation 49ers blog.  Our squads are squaring off in what should be an interesting battle between scuffling teams.  It's certainly even more intriguing given Mike Singletary's history with the Bears.  I can only imagine the reception he would have received had this game been played in Chicago.

It's a short week so things are a bit truncated, but I thought I'd throw together a FanPost and try and answer any questions you might have about the 49ers heading into Thursday's game.  I'm on the west coast so depending on when you get questions in it might take me a bit to get an answer to you, but either way I'll get you my thoughts.  Also, I'll post a link to this at NN and get some of the readers there to offer some of their own answers.

So fire away.

I know all of us were a bit concerned by all the players on yesterday's injury report.  However, as today's report shows, virtually all the "limited" and "non-participants" were full participants today.  Yesterday's report was a projection because there was no actual practice, so I'm guessing the team was just being a bit more conservative.  Of course, Glen Coffee is not going to be playing, and given that we haven't seen any transactions today, it looks like Gore and Robinson will be handling the load at running back.

After the jump we've got press conference transcripts for OC Jimmy Raye and Alex Smith.

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)
DE Demetric Evans (shoulder)
OT Joe Staley (knee)
RB Glen Coffee (concussion)

Limited Participation in Practice
LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice
S Michael Lewis (quadricep)
RB Michael Robinson (stinger)
G David Baas (stinger)
CB Tarell Brown (rib)
RB Frank Gore (eye lid)
S Curtis Taylor (shin)
TE Vernon Davis (shoulder)
WR Jason Hill (ankle)
TE Delanie Walker (shin, knee)

Bears
Out
LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee)

Did not Participate in Practice
S Al Afalava (shoulder)
S Kevin Payne (back)
RB Garrett Wolfe (back)

Limited Participation in Practice
TE Desmond Clark (neck)
DT Tommie Harris (knee)
CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)

After the jump we've got transcripts for Jimmy Raye and Alex Smith...

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We're back for another week of the Mike Singletary Approval Rating, but the ship definitely seems to be taking on some water.  Over at ESPN, Singletary's rating has taken a big dive, dropping from 87% to 68%.  The rating here tends to be a bit higher than at ESPN, but I'd still imagine a bit of a drop-off from last week's 90% approval rating.

Since the end of Sunday's game we've had a whole assortment of comments from people complaining about this, that, and the other thing, in relation to the game.  People are unhappy with Alex Smith, they're angry with Jimmy Raye, or maybe they even just don't like ownership.  What's been most interesting is that people have been less inclined to jump on Mike Singletary.  In fact, during yesterday's press conference thread, people seemed to support Coach Singletary plenty.

However, it was LondonNiner's comment in one FanPost that caught my attention because it's an issue that I'd imagine folks need to address at some point:

So is Singletary bullet proof? Is it the case that none of the defeats are ever on him? For the record, I am not saying it is his fault. I’m definitely not saying I want him out. If there was a ‘beginning to waver’ button in Fooch’s next Singletary approval vote, I’d go for that. I would definitely not vote ‘No’.
. . .
But is the tide starting to turn? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe yesterday was the first defeat we’ve had this season when Singletary has NOT confidently predicted afterwards that we’d make the play-offs. Is he starting to doubt himself? It’s a long road back to relevance for this team, never mind dominance, and there can be no doubt that Singletary and Raye have not got the players, or at least the offensive players, to win divisional titles yet. But you DO need to see signs of improvement, and yesterday felt like we’d gone backwards in terms of the aggression, the passion, and the direction … in short all of the things you expect from a Mike Singletary team.

I've pondered the idea of adding some kind of "wavering" option to the poll.  However, for a general approval rating, I do think it is best served as black and white.  People are certainly welcome to post explanations for their votes, but for the purposes of the poll, I still prefer a straight up or down vote on Singletary.

But nonetheless, I'm curious how many folks are wavering.  I'd imagine we'll have a good mix of folks who are sticking with yes, and others who teetered over to the no column.  Either way, let's hear what you think.

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The 49ers host the Chicago Bears in the first Thursday game of the season on the NFL Network.  At some point today I'm hoping to hear from someone in the NFL's media department as to whether the game will be airing somewhere online.  NBC streams the Sunday Night Football game, so I'd certainly hope the NFL Network would do something similar.  We'll see.  Either way, the 49ers face a quick turnaround and will hopefully get their act together sooner rather than later.

The 49ers host the Chicago Bears in what will be the 62nd meeting between the two teams, dating back to 1950. The last time San Francisco played the Bears at home was in 2003, when they defeated Chicago, 49-7, at Candlestick Park. The 49ers have a 6-1-1 record when playing on Thursdays, having last defeated the Seahawks, 24-14, at Seattle
(12/14/06).

The 49ers look to snap a four-game losing streak after falling to the Tennessee Titans, 34-27, last week. In that game, TE Vernon Davis recorded career-highs with 10 receptions and 102 yards, while QB Alex Smith completed a career-high 29 passes on 45 attempts for 286 yards and two touchdowns. However, four costly turnovers (3 INTs and
1 fumble) by San Francisco proved to be the difference as the Titans scored 24 of their points following takeaways.

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For the first time since the advent of the season long prediction contest, the 49ers will be playing in a game before the weekend, hosting the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football.  Due to this timing issue, howtheyscored and I have come up with a short-term fix for this week.  Each week we normally have everybody predict scores for six games, including the 49ers matchup.  Since some folks might not get predictions in before Thursday, here's what we're going to do:

I will post 7 different games.  5 games will be locked in as prediction games for everybody.  Then, there will be the 49ers game and a wildcard game.  If you want to predict the 49ers game, you will NOT be able to score any points for the wildcard game (thus meaning you don't need to make a prediction for it).  If you forget to make your selections before the 49ers game, you can still use the wildcard game as your sixth game.  One option you also have: make just your prediction for the 49ers game by Thursday, and then add your remaining five picks later in the week.  If you decide to do that it is essential that you submit those scores by replying directly to your 49ers prediction (instead of posting a new comment at the bottom of the page).  If you have ANY questions about this, please ask so we can make sure there is no confusion.

Prediction format and scoring rules are after the jump.  As always, the times are pacific.

Chicago @ 49ers - Thursday 11/12 5:20pm

Baltimore @ Cleveland - MNF 11/16 5:30pm

New England @ Indianapolis - SNF 11/15 5:20pm

Jacksonville @ NY Jets - Sunday 11/15 10:00am

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh - Sunday 11/15 10:00am

Philadelphia @ San Diego - Sunday 11/15 1:15pm

Dallas @ Green Bay - Sunday 11/15 1:15pm - ***WILDCARD GAME***

Just a reminder: If you make a prediction for the 49ers game, do not submit a prediction for Dallas/Green Bay.  If you forget or don't want to make a 49ers prediction, DO make a prediction for Dallas/Green Bay.

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Ok, so Mike Singletary didn't say it would NEVER happen, but when asked about Larry Johnson, Singletary said:

On whether the 49ers are interested in RB Larry Johnson:
"Right now, I hadn't even thought about it. No. No. Not right now."

The 49ers do have a need for running back depth, but it's not happening with LJ.  He actually doesn't clear waivers until tomorrow afternoon.  The 49ers would be looking to wait until after he clears waivers, meaning he'd basically have 2 days to learn even a little bit of the playbook.  Also, the Texans are bringing Johnson in for a workout, and the Redskins haven't ruled out trying to sign Johnson (if he clears waivers).  I'd imagine he'll be locked up before the end of the day tomorrow.

Earlier today I mentioned I was looking for info on Jason Hill in the press conference.  We didn't get a completely clear answer, but Singletary did address the wide receiver position.

On why WRs Josh Morgan and Jason Hill played so much:
"I think right now, we have to meet as a staff and really look at our receiving situation. It's a good situation, we have a lot of talent there. We just have to figure out the right combination of time for all of our guys."

On how much he will play Bruce in the future:
"I think it makes sense for us to get together as a staff and really figure out the best thing that we need to do going forward and we will do that. We will do that this week and we will do it today."

On what he saw from [WR] Jason Hill that this was the game he wanted Hill to play:
"Practice. I mean, Jason Hill - I just saw it in practice. He's a guy that could have really gotten a bad attitude and said, ‘Hey, forget it. I'm out here.  I was out here last year, I was making plays. It didn't happen. This year, maybe I need to go somewhere else.' But, he's a guy - we've talked a few times. I know [wide receivers coach Jerry] Sullivan has talked with him as well. He's had a tremendous attitude out here and just busting his tail trying to make plays. He's got all the DBs mad at him because he continues to make plays. What he did in the game did not surprise me. I'm very excited about what he was able to accomplish."

Not exactly clear-cut information, but the writing is definitely on the wall for Isaac Bruce.  He's had an amazing career, but it looks like his time is winding down.

Feel free to use this thread to discuss Monday Night Football as well.

We have the complete transcript after the jump...

Continue reading this post »

The 49ers and Bears did not hold formal practices today, but due to the truncated schedule, they have provided an injury report based on what would likely have happened if there had been practice.  Suffice to say, this is not a pretty practice report.  The 49ers were beat up pretty badly yesterday and find themselves needing to turn around quickly to face the Bears this Thursday.

Glen Coffee is out and Michael Robinson is banged up, so I'd hope the team signs somebody today or tomorrow.  Whomever they do sign (if anybody) will not have much time to learn the playbook and would really just be an emergency option this week.  I'm not expecting a big name signing, but at this point any body is a good body.

I don't have the today's press conference transcript, but I'll post it here as soon as I get it.

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)
DE Demetric Evans (shoulder)
OT Joe Staley (knee)
RB Glen Coffee (concussion)

Did not Participate in Practice
S Michael Lewis (quadricep)
RB Michael Robinson (stinger)
DE Justin Smith (not injury related)
LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder)
S Curtis Taylor (shin)

Limited Participation in Practice
TE Vernon Davis (shoulder)
WR Jason Hill (ankle)
TE Delanie Walker (shin, knee)

Full Participation in Practice
G David Baas (stinger)
CB Tarell Brown (rib)
RB Frank Gore (eye lid)

Bears
Out
LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee)

Did not Participate in Practice
S Al Afalava (shoulder)
S Kevin Payne (back)
RB Garrett Wolfe (back)

Limited Participation in Practice
TE Desmond Clark (neck)
DT Tommie Harris (knee)
CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)

Coach Singletary will be addressing the media today at 11:45am.  Things got a little bit feisty during the post-game press conference, so we'll see how that carries over to today.  What do I want to hear out of this press conference?  Well, I'd certainly like to get some clarification on the future role of Jason Hill.  Isaac Bruce was benched midway through yesterday's game and Hill was quite productive in his place.  Hill seemed to be in the doghouse much of the season, but might finally have re-emerged.  I'm also curious to hear about the injury situation.  The 49ers had a rather lengthy injury report after the game, so it will be interesting to see how the team will be addressing the depth issue.

One thing I don't want to hear is a bold proclamation about making the playoffs.  I have no problem inferring it's still an option, but to make some bold playoff prediction at this point would be more or less useless.

Head on over to 49ers.com's video section to view the press conference, and feel free to discuss it here.

More photos » by Marcio Sanchez - AP

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This post is sponsored by Comcast and their NFL RedZone channel.  If you want to see every touchdown from every NFL game as it happens as well as live look-ins to all of Sunday's games in key situations hurry up and get yourself Comcast's NFL RedZone Channel.

Normally this is a late week post, but due to the early game this week I'm bumping it up.  Yesterday's game featured quite the bonanza of red zone opportunities for both teams.  Each team finished 3/5 in the red zone, with three touchdowns and two field goals apiece.  The most heart-breaking Titans red zone touchdown came on Chris Johnson's touchdown run with 3:44 left in the fourth quarter.  We all saw Parys Haralson forcing him outside, but somehow Chris Johnson fought Haralson off and scampered in for a touchdown.  I predicted 80 or so yards from Johnson and can certainly man up to admit I was impressed by what he did.  I still think the 49ers have a quality run defense, but every once in a while you're going to let a quality rusher have success.

During the game thread we were discussing turning the red zone into the Vernon Zone.  After yesterday, maybe Jason Hill wants to claim ownership of the red zone.  The team had made a change to start the game, going with Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree as the starters, an moving Isaac Bruce to the #3 receiver spot.  However, Bruce continued to struggle and was subsequently benched in favor of Jason Hill.  Hill had appeared to be in Coach Singletary's doghouse much of this season, but stepped up yesterday, finishing with 50 receiving yards and a pair of red zone touchdowns.

I still contend that Vernon Davis is the biggest red zone threat on this team, but having Jason Hill potentially back in the fold is a very intriguing proposition.  Coach Singletary will have his 11:45am press conference today (we'll have a link to it), and hopefully he'll address the status of Jason Hill going forward.  I know some folks aren't big Hill fans, but I have to say I'm kind of excited to see a Crabtree, Morgan, Hill trio out there on Thursday night.  Throw in Vernon Davis and suddenly you've got quite the mix of weapons.

Obviously the Alex Smith issues remain out there, but Smith definitely has some intriguing weapons at his disposal.