San Francisco 49ers

*Lost Vernon Davis for at least a month with a broken leg.  Frank Gore left the game with a strained abdomen, but is expected to play at Kansas City.

*Arnez Battle has been named starting wide receiver opposite Antonio Bryant.  Don't worry too much about Battle, Bryant has emerged as the go-to guy.

*It seems that rookie TE Vernon Davis is having trouble getting on the same page with Alex Smith.  We also hear that just about EVERY pass is heading towards Antonio Bryant. We currently have Bryant in the top 20 and no, that is not a typo.  we think he could have a huge year this year if young Smith relies on Bryant the way Drew Bennett was a safety blanket for Billy Volek 2 years ago.

*Kevan Barlow and his salary have been unloaded to the Jets.  We told you Curtis Martin was just about done and we said the job in San Francisco was Gore's.  We really like Frank Gore in San Fran and only moderately think the change of scenery will help Barlow.  While he's practically guaranteed to start, Barlow has a way of sucking.  Both Cedric Houston and Derrick Blaylock have looked decent in camp.  At least Barlow will not be taking carries from Gore.  Skip Hicks becomes #2 in San Francisco.

*Kevan Barlow back at practice: Barlow left the first preseason game with a bruised thigh and shoulder.  He's back at practice but we think the starting job is Frank Gore's to lose.

*Frank Gore excelled in preseason game 1, while Kevan Barlow missed time with a thigh contusion.  Barlow might not get off the bench much this season if this keeps up.

*In preseason game 1, Barlow and Gore will split time with the first team.  We still like Gore to win the job because we've seen what Barlow is capable (and not capable) of.

*Alex Smith is looking for Antonio Bryant nearly every pass according to witnesses at 49er camp.  Looks like a comfort zone is developing which could translate into big numbers for Bryant.

*Kevan Barlow's reign of terror may soon be over.  Word out of San Fran is that the starting running back job will be Frank Gore's to lose.

*Reports are that Vernon Davis can get open at will.  Of course, this has been against San Francisco defenders.

*Eric Johnson is feeling that he has something to prove after missing last year due to injury and the draft pick of Vernon Davis.  Look for both to be on the field a good amount, but expect Davis to ultimately win this battle. 

*Alex Smith is said to look more comfortable in a simplified offense.  I still would not draft him until he showed me something. 

*Look for Frank Gore to take the starting running back job.  Kevan Barlow may become a salary cap casualty.  he makes too much money to sit on the bench.
 

http://www.sf49ers.com/ - Official Site

http://www.sfgate.com/sports/49ers/

http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/football/sf_49ers/

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/football/nfl/san_francisco_49ers/ - News Sites

http://www.sf49ers.com/team/roster.asp - official roster

http://www.ourlads.com/secure/depthchart.cfm?index1=SF - depth chart

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/niners/stats.htm - stats

http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/nfc-signings - free agency