The 49ers have posted their final injury report for Sunday and there's an interesting change to note out.

San Francisco 49ers
Probable: LB Patrick Willis (Hip), CB Tarell Brown (Neck), RB Michael Robinson (Stinger), FS Mark Roman (Groin), TE Delanie Walker (Shoulder), OT Barry Sims (Ankle)

Out: FS Dashon Goldson (Knee), WR Arnaz Battle (Foot), WR Josh Morgan (groin)

Dallas Cowboys
Probable: WR Isaiah Stanback (Shoulder), TE Jason Witten (Ribs), QB Tony Romo (Right Finger), LB Bobby Carpenter (Groin)

Questionable: CB Terence Newman (Groin), LB Justin Rogers (Back)

Out: WR Miles Austin (Knee), RB Felix Jones (Hamstring)

The biggest change is the addition of Terence Newman.  Newman missed five weeks with a groin injury, but did manage to play last week at Washington snatching a big interception.  Newman practiced Wednesday and yesterday but was a DNP today.  If the Cowboys are a little cocky, maybe they'll think it's a game they should win so why not rest Newman.  Anything to improve the matchup for Hill, right?

I'll throw up a more explanatory post next week, but the linked graphic below will take you to the central SB Nation hub for all things NFL.  The network also has a similar hub for the race for the BCS Title.  Enjoy.

Another day of practice, another injury report.  For the most part it's the usual suspects, although the Cowboys have one prominent guy out.

San Francisco 49ers
Did not Participate in Practice: WR Arnaz Battle (foot), S Dashon Goldson (knee), WR Josh Morgan (groin), Patrick Willis (illness)

Limited Participation in Practice: CB Tarell Brown (neck strain), RB Michael Robinson (stinger), FS Mark Roman (groin), TE Delanie Walker (shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice: OT Barry Sims (ankle)

Dallas Cowboys
Did Not Participate in Practice: WR Miles Austin (knee), RB Felix Jones (hamstring)

Limited Participation in Practice: TE Jason Witten (ribs)

Full Participation in Practice: QB Tony Romo (right finger), LB Bobby Carpenter (groin), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)

The big news for today is that running back Felix Jones was placed on injured reserve due to toe problems.  Marion Barber is a very solid running back, but he's always had somebody to spell him, whether it be Felix Jones at times this year, or Julius Jones the last few years.

The question becomes what kind of rushing attack can the Cowboys mount without a dynamic back like Felix Jones?  Possibly one more reason to have good thoughts about Sunday?

I have to admit I was bit surprised to pick up 5 points last week.  I remain in a tie for 11th, but I lie poised to pounce on the unsuspecting playoff contenders (well they were unsuspecting, but howtheyscored continues to call me out in his recap).  If I hadn't gone against the unbeaten Titans who knows where I'd be now.  Never bet against the streak.

Including this week, there are six weeks left in the NFL season.  For the teams, this week's matchups provide a chance to get a little breathing room, or at the very least, a little confidence with a win against a quality opponent.  For the prediction contest, each week provides another opportunity to gain ground, or solidify your position.  We have a sizeable contingent of folks looking to move into a playoff spot and time is slowly running out.

So, let's get to the games:

49ers @ Dallas - Sunday 11/23 1:05pm

Green Bay @ New Orleans - MNF 11/24 5:30pm

Indianapolis @ San Diego - SNF 11/23 8:15pm

Minnesota @ Jacksonville - Sunday 11/23 10:00am

Carolina @ Atlanta - Sunday 11/23 1:15pm

NY Giants @ Arizona - Sunday 11/23 1:15pm

I think I've managed to select a group of games that will be tough to call.  Does anybody dare go against the red-hot Giants in Arizona?  Carolina is playing really well and Atlanta is coming off their firsthome loss.  Hmmmm....

Hey folks, this is Fooch from Niners Nation, the SB Nation 49ers blog.  Although interest will clearly be high for the old-school rivalry game this Sunday, Dave and I thought we'd exchange FanPosts this week to get things going.  The 49ers have been struggling the last few years, but when it comes to 49ers-Cowboys, even the most apathetic 49ers fan gets excited.

It's been a pretty crazy few weeks for the 49ers, what with the promotion of Mike Singletary to head coach and the benching of J.T. O'Sullivan.  While a playoff spot is highly unlikely, 49ers fans have had the opportunity the last few weeks to get a look at the future of the team.  Nobody knows if Mike Singletary will be returning in 2009 but he's doing what he can to earn that job.  Even though players were still playing hard, Mike Nolan appeared to more or less become a joke in the locker room.  Mike Singletary has brought intensity and sense of integrity to the locker room.  In his first game he sent Vernon Davis to the showers in the middle of the game and basically called him out after the game in his first press conference.  Since then, Vernon Davis was the first guy calling for Singletary to be the permanent head coach.

At the QB position, Shaun Hill has brought some sanity to the position.  J.T. O'Sullivan was a high reward guy, but he turned into an even higher risk option.  In 7.5 games JTO was sacked an average of 4.3 times a game and turned the ball over almost twice a game.  Hill has been sacked roughly once a game and has averaged 1 turnover a game.  It's a small sample size for both guys, but the difference seems to be Hill's quick decision making and ability to sense the pass rush.  These skills resulted in a perfect QB rating in the first half against the Rams and being named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for week 11.

Aside from this being the Cowboys, there is another reason 49ers fans are excited.  A blowout of the Rams doesn't mean a whole lot to 49ers fans given how bad the Rams are.  I realize the Cowboys lost to the Rams, but I think it can be somewhat excused by the fact that Brad Johnson was running the offense.  This week (and most of the remaining games) will give the 49ers a chance to see what Shaun Hill and a host of youngsters bring to the table.

Hill got a brief chance in 3 games last year before a broken finger and back spasms ending his season.  He'll now get a half season to show that he can lead this offense going forward.  He brings a steadiness to the QB position that the 49ers haven't had since Jeff Garcia.  He may end up not working out, but the 49ers will at least get a chance to determine this against quality opponents, starting with Dallas.

So, with that, let's open the floor for questions.  I'll do my best to answer everything as thoroughly as possible.  Also, I'd expect a couple of my readers to offer up their insights at some point as well.

In yesterday's Golden Nuggets I posted a link to Maiocco's story about Chilo Rachal potentially starting for the 49ers this Sunday at right guard.  The info came from Mike Singletary's media conference, a transcript of which I received a little later in the afternoon.

It seems like Mike Singletary is a big fan of Rachal.  There is of course his discussion of the youngster in his media conferences, but he has also given Rachal more and more playing time each week.  He has taken some time from Tony Wragge and looked rather solid in his efforts.  In fact, Mike Sando was quick to point out how hard Rachal exerted himself in what was essentially garbage time.  Singletary has consistently pointed out that Rachal looks good in practice so I'd imagine he has been a hard worker (consider that an educated guess).  Furthermore, given Singletary's seemingly apparent point that player's earn starting time, this seems to be another good sign for Rachal.

When Rachal was drafted, there were some concerns because he left after his junior year more for family reasons than anything else.  As our friends at New Era Scouting indicated:

Rachal is one of the early entrants in this year’s class who should have stayed for his senior season. Family issues, however, forced him into the draft. While next year he would be a surefire first day pick, now he’s straddling the line between the late second and early third round. The right guard may not be ready to start for another year or two, but when he does he’ll be good. He is already a top pass protector is really good on pull and trap runs. If he can improve his drive blocking, he’ll be a consistent Pro Bowl-caliber player.

In their draft breakdown, ESPN said:

What he brings: The biggest knock on Rachal is his lack of athletic ability and has problems redirecting in pass protection. He struggles, at times, to reach blockers in the second level and athletically he has some limitations. However, he's quick off the ball, jars defenders with a strong punch and gets in position quickly. He also does a good job holding his ground against bull-rushers.
How he fits: It's obvious the 49ers feel they need to upgrade at guard with the loss of Larry Allen in the offseason. Rachal is a mauler who needs to be in a confined area due to his athletic limitations. However, he has the size and initial quickness to wall off and position while creating inside lanes. He should be able to come in and compete with David Baas at right guard.

Given injuries and the offensive line version of musical chairs, Baas moved over to left guard and Tony Wragge secured the right guard position.  Wragge is 29 and while somewhat talented, he seems like a guy who is better for depth.  He was a backup center for some time but had a solid enough preseason to secure the RG spot.

When Rachal was drafted I initially thought he would be like Cody Wallace and be more of a project.  When training camp arrived and Baas had the torn pec injury, that timetable slid up.  Of course Wragge is a Nolan guy and I wouldn't be surprised if that was one reason he won the job.  I don't know for sure how Rachal looked in training camp, but Wragge was deemed the clear winner at that point.

When Singletary became the head coach there was some discussion that more of the younger folks would get an extended look.  However, I think the Singletary philosophy of earning playing time is still in play.  Kentwan Balmer has seen plenty of time on special teams but not nearly as much on the defensive line.  I don't think it's a matter of Rachal being a favorite and Balmer not so.  I'd imagine it's more that Rachal simply has shown more in practice.

Either way, it is one more reason to be excited for this Sunday.  If Rachal can lock down a starting spot going into 2009, it's one less question mark going forward.  The offensive line has looked significantly better with Hill at the helm and infusing it with some youth could be a good thing going forward.

  vs. 

Now that things have settled down in the coaching ranks and the 49ers ended their losing streak, we can finally concentrate on a big game this weekend.  As bad as the 49ers have been the last few years, a game against Dallas is always a nice little pick-me-up.

The San Francisco 49ers travel to Dallas this weekend in what will be the 32nd meeting between the two teams. The series dates back to 1960 and San Francisco holds an overall 16-14-1 advantage over the Cowboys. Within the series, San Francisco and Dallas have met six times in the NFC Championship game and seven times times overall in the postseason, with Cowboys maintaining a 5-2 advantage over the 49ers.

The 49ers enter this week’s game after snapping a six-game losing streak this past Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. San Francisco scored 35 points in the fi rst half before eventually earning a 35-16 victory. QB Shaun Hill completed 15-of-20 passes for 213 yards with two passing touchdowns and one rushing score for a career-high passer rating of 142.3. Hill has now posted four contests with a passer rating over the century mark in six career games of action with the 49ers.

Gore enters this week’s game ranked third in the NFL for yards from scrimmage with 1,195. His current pace would give him 1,912 total yards on the year. The 49ers defense accounted for three turnovers and four sacks last week against the Rams. CB Walt Harris posted one sack, one interception and three passes defensed in the game.

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The 49ers just announced that QB Shaun Hill has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.  Hill is the first 49er to receive this award since Frank Gore won it for his 116-yard rushing performance November 25, 2007 against the Cardinals.

Hill was 15-for-20 for 213 yards with 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown.  Most notably, Hill finished the first half with a perfect QB rating of 158.3 as the 49ers raced to a 35-3 lead.  He was the first 49ers QB to post a perfect QB rating in the first half (Steve Young's best was 156.5).  Hill finished the game with a 142.3 passer rating and also threw his longest career completion, a 42-yarder to Bryant Johnson.

Heartiest congratulations to Shaun Hill.  While Hill has been playing with plenty of poise and confidence, a little national recognition certainly can't hurt.  Let's hope he carries it over to this Sunday against Dallas.

Over at ESPN they run a Coach Ratings feature where you can vote on whether you approve of the job Mike Singletary is doing as head coach. You can vote for every head coach every week and the World Wide Leader keeps track on a graph.

I thought it would be fun and informative to have that kind of poll here at Niners Nation.  ESPN seems to post their poll Sunday or Monday.  The problem with a Sunday night or Monday poll is that people are still fired up over a win or downtrodden over a loss.  I've decided instead to run this poll every Wednesday.  That gives people a couple days to cool down and hopefully give us a more rational vote.

As part of it I'll publicize my own vote with reasons for it and reasons why I might be willing to consider the alternative.  If you decide to vote in this poll we'd all like to hear reasons why you choose yes or no.  Also, thank to wjackalope for the graphic.

For now I think it's safe to say that I approve of the job Mike Singletary is doing as head coach.  I was going to say try and avoid comparing his current performance with Mike Nolan because Nolan is in the past.  However, due to the in-season firing, it's virtually impossible not to compare the two coaches in making the vote.  Nolan was 2-5 and Singletary is 1-2, but the feeling I get is a world of difference between the two. 

I usually prefer the cold, hard statistical look at things, but with Singletary I just have this greater feeling of confidence than I ever had with Mike Nolan.  One reason for that would be the words of the players.  He kicked Vernon Davis off the field and let him know in no uncertain terms how he felt about his antics and Davis has responded like a mature adult (clearly VD needs a disciplinarian figure to keep him grounded).  In fact Davis is the one most prominently clamoring for Singletary to get the full-time job.  Singletary has clearly got the players' respect and that is half the battle in the NFL today.  It's a league of millionaires who can often act a bit petulant.  Singletary brings an old school intensity that the players seem to be feeding off of.

The question that remains is what areas can he stand to improve upon?  Right now it's really hard to say.  He's got a veteran offensive coordinator in Mike Martz and while I don't have numbers to back me up, it seems like Singletary has been able to sit down with Martz and work a little more power running into the game plan (although that could also be due to Shaun Hill's clear physical deficiencies).  It seems like his delegation abilities have been solid so far.

I won't pass judgment on his clock management skills because like with any other strength or weakness, there hasn't been enough game experience.  He struggled mightily in his biggest 2 minute drill situation against Arizona.  Against the Rams there was no situation that required something similar in terms of the stress of the situation.  Maybe we'll see a key 2-minute drill this Sunday to help us get a better idea of things.

We'll definitely get a better idea of what Singletary brings to the table in the coming weeks.  The 49ers face some tough opponents on the road and will need to bring their A-game.  Given the strength of schedule the rest of the way, I'm curious to see how people are rating Singletary even if the losses are mounting.  I think most people here understand that the team could be moving in a positive direction in spite of potential losses.

So vote, and, if you're so inclined, throw out reasons for or against approval of Mike Singletary.

The 49ers just announced that they officially placed Jonas Jennings on injured reserve.  It seemed like he was getting back into game shape, but the pain apparently was too much.  Jennings wanted to avoid having surgery at any cost, but according to GM Scot McCloughan:

“Jonas did everything in his power to get back from the injury, and he was cleared to return to practice as long as he wore a harness,” said general manager Scot McCloughan. “It was a matter of pain tolerance, but he wasn’t going to be 100% without surgery. We discussed it with Jonas and our medical team and all parties agreed that it would be the best thing for Jonas, and his future, to go ahead and have the surgery now.”

Barry Sims originally replaced Jennings but he injured himself and that led to Adam Snyder moving into the right tackle position.

“I think Snyder is working his tail off,” said Mike Singletary. “Snyder is doing a good job. He’s done the things that we’ve asked him do. Right now, Snyder is the guy.”

If Snyder can continue to impress, maybe we'll finally be settled at right tackle for the foreseeable future.  Either way, I think Jennings is probably finished with the 49ers.  He signed a big deal and has not been able to overcome numerous injuries over the years.  As long as the team has the salary cap space to take the hit, they might as well cut him after this season instead of continually rolling the dice with him going forward.

EDITOR'S UPDATE 3:18PM: To replace Jennings on the 53-man roster, the 49ers signed OT Jacob Bender off the New England Patriots practice squad.  Bender (6-6, 315) was originally selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2007 draft out of Nicholls State. He saw action in two games for the Jets as a rookie on special teams as a lineman in field goal formations and was inactive for 14 contests. Bender was waived by the Jets following training camp in 2008 and was then signed to the New England Patriots practice squad.