The San Francisco 49ers have a compromised defensive backfield. That was evident during the team's 43-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Richard Sherman and Emmanuel Moseley opened the season as the starting cornerbacks. Sherman hasn't played since Week 1, but head coach Kyle Shanahan hopes he can begin practicing this week.

Moseley has missed the last two games as he continues to recover from a concussion he suffered during Week 3. Moseley recently saw a specialist, and Shanahan sounded optimistic about the cornerback's return.

"He did see a specialist. I think we got had some pretty good news on that," Shanahan said after the game. "We're still waiting. I don't have anything confirmed yet, but I'm really hoping we can get him back this week.

"I know if E-Man's able to at all, he will, so hopefully we'll hear some good news in the next couple of days and get him back in practice."


The 49ers started Sunday's game with Jason Verrett and Brian Allen as the outside cornerbacks. Ahkello Witherspoon eventually replaced Allen, but only after the Dolphins targeted him early and jumped to a significant lead.

Allen was among two players activated from the practice squad on Saturday. The other was wide receiver Kevin White.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick finished the day 22-of-28 for 350 yards and three touchdowns.

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