The NFL season is just around the corner with 26 teams set to take the field for the first time in the 2011 season this Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers will open at home against the Seattle Seahawks. Though both teams are gearing up for the game in these final days of preparation, they are also both dealing with player injuries and recoveries.
The 49ers got a pleasant surprise on Wednesday as receiver Michael Crabtree practiced. Crabtree, who has been a question mark in recent days with regards to his status for Sunday's season opener, participated in fully-padded practice and ran routes. He may be good to go for Sunday, but there is no official word yet.
49ers starting safety Dashon Goldson missed practice on Wednesday with a knee problem. He could miss Sunday's game, and if he does Reggie Smith will be called on to take his place. Smith is coming back from an injury himself (torn meniscus), and safety duties could fall to Madieu Williams on Sunday.
Goldson is the only 49er who missed Wednesday's practice. Meanwhile, Seahawks receiver Sidney Rice missed practice on Wednesday with a shoulder issue. The recently-acquired receiver from Minnesota has been bugged by a bum shoulder since the first week of training camp and has been unable to shake it off. Center Robert Gallery and tackle Jarriel King also missed practice for the Seahawks while linebacker David Hawthorne was limited.
The 49ers and Seahawks square off in their 2011 season opener at 1:15 Pacific time on Sunday. The game is scheduled to broadcast on FOX.