We've got an updated injury report after a couple days of practice and both teams have injury issues that might cause concern.

49ers
Bryant Johnson - Did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday with a hamstring injury

Keith Lewis - Did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday with a knee injury

Dashon Goldson - Limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday with a shoulder injury

Donald Strickland - Limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury

While I never want to see injuries, if the injuries to Johnson and Strickland keep them out of this Sunday's game, youngsters could benefit tremendously.  If Johnson is hurt Josh Morgan and Jason Hill could see a lot more playing time and more balls thrown in their direction.  If the stories about Josh Morgan losing 15 pounds are true, this bump in playing time could not come at a better time for him.

At cornerback, if Strickland is out, Tarell Brown remains the #3 cornerback with Shawntae Spencer's ACL surgery.  Brown had his first pick last week and will be looking to build on it.  Even if Strickland were to play I think Brown could be playing his way into the good graces of the coaching staff.  I like Strickland, but I'd love to see what Brown can do with some serious playing time.

Saints
WR David Patten - Did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday with a groin injury

C Jonathan Goodwin - Did not participate in practice Thursday

CB Randall Gay - Limited in practice Thursday, did not participate Wednesday with a hamstring injury

LB Scott Fujita - Limited particpation in practice with a knee injury

WR Terrance Copper - Limited participation in practice Wednesday and Thursday with a hamstring injury

CB Aaron Glenn - Out for this Sunday

One important issue for the Saints is the 4-game suspension of left guard Jamar Nesbit for violating the steroid policy.  It sounds like rookie Carl Nicks will get the start in his place.  Always fun for the defensive line to be facing a rookie offensive lineman.

At wide receiver, it sounds like Devery Henderson and Lance Moore will get the start, with Robert Meachem settling in as the #3 receiver.  I have to admit, the Meachem-Tarell Brown matchup could be a lot of fun to watch.

Among the rest of the injured folks, Fujita missed the last two weeks so I'm not sure if he'll be up to probable or not at this point.  If Gay could practice yesterday, I'd imagine he'd be closer to probable, but we'll see.  Also, we already knew Colston and Shockey were out but I had not made mention of Aaron Glenn, who's been declared out for this weekend with a strained ligament in his ankle.

When the final official injury report comes in I'll post it.

Since the beginning of the Mike Nolan era in 2005, the 49ers and Cardinals have had an interesting history.  The 49ers lost four straight to the Cardinals before winning both games in the series last season.  The 49ers currently stand at 19-14 against the Cardinals all-time.

If you wanted one word to describe the last six contests, close would be the safest choice.  The average difference in score was 7.67 points, and that's factoring in a 17 point Cardinals victory in the first of the six in 2005.  Since then, neither team has won by more than a touchdown.  Last season took the "closeness" to a whole new level with two wild finishes.  As I will consider the first game in 2005 a "statistical outlier," I'm just going to look at the last five.  I feel it creates just a bit more drama!

SAN FRANCISCO 37, @ ARIZONA 31 (Nov. 25, 2007)
The 49ers found themselves in the midst of an 8 game losing streak and the team looking absolutely abysmal.  The 49ers had put up no more than 16 points in any of their previous eight games and while Frank Gore was being productive, he couldn't carry the team by himself.  However, on this day, Gore put together 214 total yards and 2 touchdowns as Trent Dilfer had a bit of a throwback performance.  Of course, the game will be remembered for the wild ending and Patrick Willis putting himself on the national map.  After the 49ers took the lead late, the Cardinals drove down and a goal line stop (including a game-saving defensive effort by Donald Strickland) kept the Cardinals to a field goal. 

In overtime, Kurt Warner connected with Sean Morey for what appeared to be a game-winning touchdown.  However, Willis (in a play replayed over and over again) ran down Morey from behind to prevent the touchdown.  Arizona positioned the ball for a game-winning field goal, which Rackers drilled through the uprights.  Fortunately, a delay of game moved the ball back 5 yards and Rackers missed a 32 yarder.  After a later booming Andy Lee punt and an illegal block in the back, Arizona started with the ball on their own 3.  A Ronald Fields sack forced a Warner fumble, which Tully Banta-Cain pounced on for the heart-stopping victory.

at SAN FRANCISCO 20, ARIZONA 17 (Sept. 10, 2007)
Coming off a rather inspiring 2006, the 49ers were looking to start off the 2007 season with a bang.  The young guns, Alex Smith and Matt Leinart, combined to throw under 50% and do everything they could to single-handedly kill Monday night ratings.  The 49ers tandem of newly acquired Nate Clements and Pro Bowler Walt Harris looked sharp in holding Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin to a combined 7 catches for 43 yards.  Patrick Willis made his debut with an impressive 11 tackles, showing a sign of things to come.

However, the finish is what this game will be remembered for.  With 2:58 to go, Alex Smith led the 49ers on 86 yard drive with a 4th down conversion followed by a 3rd and long conversion.  The 3rd down conversion almost resulted in disaster as Arnaz Battle fumbled the ball on the 1 into the end zone.  The ball was recovered in the end zone, but since the offense can't advance a fumble, the ball was spotted at the 1.  Arnaz Battle redeemed himself with an end around for the game winning touchdown with 22 seconds left.

Check out the results of the previous three games after the jump....

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June 6 we did our first 53-man roster projection.  Probably a little early, but most major transactions had taken place at that point.  August 11 we did our second 53-man roster projection, one game into the exhibition season.  With one game remaining for the 49ers, the final cut down date is Saturday, so now is as good a time as any for this final roster projection.

49ers blogger Chrissy Mauck actually posted some thoughts on the 53-man rather than project it out.  She works with the players on a daily basis so it's probably not as easy coldly saying cut or no cut.  I thought I'd run some of her thoughts before putting my final projection.

On Ashley Lelie
I would be absolutely SHOCKED if they cut Ashley Lelie. I know everyone else is putting him on the bubble, but in this Martz’ offense, I think you want six receivers and Martz talked many times this off-season about how talented he thinks Lelie is. I don’t think the guy gets cut because he had a calf injury.

On OLB
At the start of camp, I thought it would come down to Tully Banta-Cain or Parys Haralson, but I think Roderick Green has also made a case for himself. The 49ers could end up keeping two out of the three.

On Keith Lewis
He has had some mistakes on special teams during the preseason, but special teams coach Al Everest knows Lewis is one of the best around the league. Since the units have struggled, I think Al definitely fights for Lewis to be on the 53.

Nothing stunning there, but people really think Ashley Lelie is going to stick around.  At the same time, if the 49ers can keep Zeigler on the practice squad and Lelie struggles early on, I think he could be cut at any point during the season.  Additions since projection #2 are bolded and underlined

Offense
QB (3): Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan
RB (3): Frank Gore, DeShaun Foster, Michael Robinson
FB (1): Zak Keasey
WR (6): Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, Josh Morgan, Ashley Lelie
TE (3): Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Billy Bajema
LT (2): Joe Staley, Barry Sims
LG (2): Adam Snyder, Tony Wragge
C (2): Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace
RG (2): David Baas, Chilo Rachal
RT (1): Jonas Jennings

Defense
DE (4): Isaac Sopoaga, Justin Smith, Kentwan Balmer, Ray McDonald
DT (2): Aubrayo Franklin, Ronald Fields
OLB (3): Manny Lawson, Tully Banta-Cain, Parys Haralson
ILB (5): Patrick Willis, Jeff Ulbrich, Dontarrious Thomas, Takeo Spikes, Larry Grant
CB (6): Nate Clements, Walt Harris, Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown, Donald Strickland, Reggie Smith
FS (2): Mark Roman, Dashon Goldson
SS (2): Michael Lewis, Keith Lewis

Special Teams
K: Joe Nedney
P: Andy Lee
LS: Brian Jennings
KR/PR: Allen Rossum

Last 5 on: Ashley Lelie, Larry Grant, Chilo Rachal, Cody Wallace, Zak Keasey (as opposed to Moran Norris)

First 5 off: Moran Norris, Dominique Zeigler, Thomas Clayton, Brian De La Puente, Roderick Green

I added Ashley Lelie to the 53-man projection simply because of the buzz in the media.  Personally, I'd rather see what Zeigler can do on game day, but unfortunately I was recently informed that I don't have a vote in the matter (shocking, I know).  However, like I said above, if Lelie struggles, I think he's on an especially short leash.

In order to make room for Lelie I left off Moran Norris.  As Scot McCloughan said, Norris should have been a Pro Bowler two years ago.  Unfortunately now, the shift in the offense seems to make him significantly less useful.  He'll always have a use, but in the Martz offense it might not be enough for a roster spot.

As we approach the last game of the preseason, it's all about keeping guys healthy.  The 49ers have done fairly well in keeping healthy (KNOCK ON WOOD) and they're taking serious precautions this Friday against San Diego.  The first-team units will apparently only play a series or so.

Of course, with some of the recent injuries, the question becomes who will be out there and who will be on that first unit.  Brian De La Puente has an arm injury that has sidelined him recently.  Today saw Tony Wragge move over to left guard and Chilo Rachal took over at right guard.  However, David Baas is due back to the practice field this week, so we could see the Baas-Wragge combination at guard.

Some folks who missed practice include Keith Lewis and Josh Morgan due to illness.  On the other hand, Arnaz Battle and Ashley Lelie were finally able to take part in team reps today.  I'll have a bigger post about the wide receivers tomorrow, but Lelie certainly has his work cut out for him in the next five days.  Nolan has said he's on the fence about keeping 5 or 6 receivers so Lelie needs to give him a reason if he wants to stick around.

As for Friday's game, Nolan has indicated Adam Snyder, Jonas Jennings and Allen Rossum are all likely out.  Robert Ortiz will be returning punts, with Michael Robinson and Delanie Walker getting some action in the kick return game.  It's good to see Robinson back on the field.

In a somewhat related note, the final cutdown to the 53-man roster has to happen by Saturday.  Since that's the day after an evening game, I'm planning on doing a final 53-man projection on Wednesday or Thursday.  If there is anything that could dramatically affect a given player I'll throw up a post but if nothing big happens I probably won't since cuts could happen pretty quickly, making a same-day post rather dated.  Game-time decision.

While it'sonly the second preseason game of the season, it's also already the second game of the preseason.  The first team offense and defense will get a half of play under the belt.  The Packers finished last season 17th against the pass and 8th against the run.  Not spectacular against the pass, but Al Harris and Charles Woodson are definitely nothing to sneeze at.  Suffice to say, the 49ers offense will face a stiff challenge by ground and by air. 

On the other hand, the Packers offense was 5th in the air and 9th on the ground.  I'm not sure how the passing game will translate under Aaron Rodgers, but Ryan Grant is back running the ball, looking to build on an impressive 2007.  After getting thrashed by the Raiders running game, the 49ers will be looking to bounce back and put up a slightly stiffer front (that's what she said).  Although, I just checked Acme Packing Company, and it looks like Grant might be out.  If so, even more reason to do a better job against the run.

August 26 is the first cut-down date (to 75 players) and some positional battles are heating up, both for roster spots and for depth chart rotation.

Josh Morgan - We've talked plenty about the rookie receiver from Virginia Tech.  However, this is a particularly interesting matchup because of the corners he'll be facing.  Due to injuries, Morgan will be in the starting lineup.  This means a chance to square off against Charles Woodson or Al Harris.  This will be a big test for the rookie (as well as J.T. O'Sullivan).  You never want to get too excited after just one good performance in the preseason.  However, if Morgan can put up a second good performance against a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback, I think it's safe to say Fooch will be getting more excited (first ever reference to myself in the 3rd person I think).

Louis Holmes - Holmes has been getting more and more press as he seems to be impressing during practice, even getting some first team reps.  However, he now finds himself in a potential numbers crunch, competing with Tully Banta-Cain, Roderick Green and Jay Moore.  Barrows had some interesting comments about the four players:

Holmes, who has shown real promise as a pass rusher, is an obvious practice-squad candidate, but the 49ers would risk him being plucked off it by a team with room on its active roster. Banta-Cain disappointed last year with just 3.5 sacks, but he is the most versatile of the bunch and there's a sense that he'll be more effective in a reserve role just as he was in New England. Green has been perhaps the best pass rusher of this latter group. But his versatility is limited and the 49ers know (from history) there's little risk in cutting him and bringing him back midseason if need be. Moore, meanwhile, hasn't shown much of a pass rush and is still very much in learning mode when it comes to coverage duties. He is practice-squad eligible.

I would like to see Jay Moore make the roster, but I'm feeling more and more like he will end up on the practice squad.  Holmes sounds motivated to make the roster, but the numbers crunch might get in the way.  If he can make some noise against the Packers, maybe he can force the situation.

Keith Lewis - Up to this point I considered Lewis pretty secure in his roster spot.  Barrows mentioned today that he thinks one of the final defensive backs could come down to either Lewis or Marcus Hudson.  In comparing the two, Barrows said Lewis's strengths being special teams place and solid backup play at strong safety, while his main weakness is a lack of speed and versatility.  Hudson, on the other hand, has less experience but more versatility in the secondary and is showing some special teams spark.  I'm not sure how strong a performance Lewis would need to secure his spot, but it'd be interesting to see which way the 49ers go.  Lewis has always been an under the radar guy, but considering he led the team in special teams tackles in 2007, he might be worth keeping around.

The team still has the Packers game and next Thursday's matchup at Chicago (along with several more practices) before the 75-man cut down date.  The third preseason game is usually where the starters go upwards of 3 quarters, so backups need to make things happen sooner rather than later.

There's under 30 hours until kickoff (34+ thanks to the blackout) and we're getting a better idea of who we'll see tomorrow and who will be in street clothes.  I thought I'd take a look at the injured players and the impact it will have tomorrow and going forward.

Michael Robinson - This is definitely not surprising at all.  Robinson is not expected back until the regular season, maaaaaybe the last preseason game.  He's looking at more of a special teams role with the addition of DeShaun Foster but will still get time in some offensive formations.  His absence likely means more carries for 2007 preseason MVP Thomas Clayton.  Of course preseason MVP has absolutely no value, other than an apparent ticket to the practice squad.

David Baas - Another non-surprise.  Tony Wragge appears to taken control of the position ahead of Chilo Rachal.  If Wragge looks good in the preseason, I'm curious what happens when Baas is healthy.  We'll also see the likes of Jeb Terry and former Cal guard Brian De La Puente getting some reps in the second half.

Bryant Johnson and Ashley Lelie - Johnson tweaked his hamstring in the morning practice against the Raiders.  It sounds like he was performing pretty well up to that point so let's hope it's a short term issue.  As for Lelie, well we've discussed his issues at length.  In addition, Isaac Bruce is a game-time decision.  If he does play I would imagine it would only be for a series or two.  The absence of these receivers means more reps for the likes of Josh Morgan, Jason Hill and Dominique Zeigler, which could help all of their chances at more playing time.

Mark Roman - Apparently Roman was scheduled to wear the defensive radio receiver, but with his injury, Michael Lewis will be the guy.  Roman's absence means more time for Dashon Goldson.  He's been a ballhawk in practice, so let's see if he can transfer that over to game situations.

Lewis Baker - Baker is a long shot to make the roster and this thigh bruise is certainly not helping his chances.  He'd apparently been playing pretty well, so it's a shame to see this happen.  This means more playing time for DJ Parker and probably extra time for Keith Lewis as the 49ers are a bit low at safety for this game.

Now that training camp, all sorts of information is popping up.  I thought I'd use this edition of Golden Nuggets to cover some of them, as well as give a little wrap up of the first day of training camp.

We're a day down in training camp and thankfully no injuries to report.  Matt Maiocco had some day 1 QB stats: Alex Smith was 19-30 with 1 interception and Shaun Hill was 20-27 with 3 interceptions.

Matt Barrows said that in the afternoon practice, Delanie Walker was very solid after an early drop.  I'd say I'm excited to see what Walker does in the preseason, but last year he was 10th in the league in receiving yards in the preseason and that certainly didn't get him anywhere.  We know Martz likes him and we know he'll make the team, so we're really going to have to wait for the regular season before knowing what his role really will be.  The exhibition games might give us an idea but I'd expect the team to hold back a lot of offensive options so as not to give too much away too early.

Barrows had a comment at the end of the above post that stuck in my mind:

One of the biggest dogfights in camp could be for the final defensive backs spot. The two contenders - early on, at least - are Keith Lewis and Marcus Hudson. Both are special teams aces (we'll give the nod to Lewis) but the team might feel that Hudson has more potential as a DB. It's something to keep an eye on this summer.

In our 53-man projection, we slotted in Keith Lewis initially without Marcus Hudson.  There was discussion initiated by sfgfan that he has shown an ability to contribute.  It certainly has me wondering what might possibly happen with that particular roster spot.  Would they conceivably keep both Lewis and Hudson, or are they battling for a single spot?

49ers Webzone posted a couple pages of training camp photos in photobucket.

In the quotations I posted earlier, Nolan discussed Patrick Willis's expanding role.  The Contra Costa Times went a little more into that in discussing the void created by Bryant Young's retirement.

As they did last year, sf49ers.com is putting together camp spotlights on players.  They don't give a ton of information, but rather quick-hitting stories about players.  Today's is about Walt Harris.  One of the funnier parts:

All-time Best Prank: In Chicago, guys would set this huge thing of water so that it would lean up against the door of the rookies.  The older guys would start banging on their doors and when they came to open it, a bucket full [of water] would spring into their room.  It was always amusing.

The 49ers MVN site takes an in depth look at the question marks surrounding the team's 3-4 defense.

For those who hadn't noticed, ESPN has created a sort of blogosphere within their network.  For the NFL they've got a blogger for each of the divisions.  Mike Sando is covering the NFC West.  He previously covered the Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune.  His latest post discusses the 49ers position battles.  His post looks at the QB and Ted positions, although we see no mention of Larry Grant.  I'd imagine most people probably consider him a long shot due to his 7th round status.

A couple days ago, USA Today had the generic Nolan and the 49ers expect to move beyond last year's turmoil.

Unrelated to training camp but interesting nonetheless: Jim Tressel is apparently friends with Ohio native Eddie Debartolo.  So, after his Ohio State Buckeyes were picked to win their 4th straight Big Ten Title, Tressel had Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott come talk to his team about not letting up.