While Matt Maiocco continues to have some technical issues posting to his blog, Instant 49ers (http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com), he has the following update for fans.
Dashon Goldson, who has played very well, sustained a significant injury to his right elbow last night. Coach Mike Nolan said he would know the full extent Monday morning, but he said it was more significant than he was initially led to believe. ... Taylor Jacobs got one hour sleep the night before the game. He did not warm up. Nolan advised him to sleep prior to the game. He was in for about five plays and dropped a pass. He is still the No. 3 wideout, Nolan said, because of the consistency and all-around game he has shown during the offseason and training camp. ... Nolan raved about the play of Isaac Sopoaga. He said it was the best game he has seen Sopoaga play. ... He was amazed at how quick Ray McDonald got off the ball, saying those offside penalties were almost too close to call. ... He said Ronald Fields wasn't as consistent as the other defensive linemen. ... Nolan also said the competition at RT (Kwame Harris vs. Joe Staley) is closer than at RG (Justin Smiley vs. David Baas). That's it for now. When I'm able to send an update, I'll have a rundown of every player on the roster.-Matt M.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee offered up some additional information in his blog (http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers) today.
Just spoke with Mike Nolan on a conference call. He said the injury to Goldson is more severe than previously thought and that the rookie safety would not play Saturday against Chicago. It seems Goldson got his arm caught between the legs of a Raiders running back while making a tackle. The ligaments in the elbow are certainly strained. What the 49ers' medical staff is waiting to see is whether they are torn, something that could cost Goldson the season.Otherwise, Nolan said he thought nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga had the best game since Nolan became the 49ers' head coach in 2005. He also had high praise for right defensive end Ray McDonald. He said left defensive end Ronald Fields did not play as well as Sopoaga and McDonald.
Nolan also said there would be no changes to the starting lineup at wide receiver and offensive line, but that he liked how some of the backups played against the Raiders. He said Joe Staley in particular looked good and that he could enter the game sooner than the third series Saturday against Chicago or a week later against San Diego.
-- Matt Barrows
