Both teams released their final injury reports yesterday, and there's not many surprises. Both teams are a little banged up at some key areas, and it will fall on the less-utilized players to get things done. The 49ers key injury this week is at a very key position, nose tackle. Aubrayo Franklin is banged up and he's currently questionable to play. Last season's seventh round pick, Ricky Jean Francois will need to step in and be the crucial anchor of San Francisco's 3-4 defense if Franklin isn't good to go.
The Seahawks big injuries are at the wide receiver position. Mike Williams (ankle) and Ben Obomanu (hand) are both listed as questionable, and both are big targets for Seattle. Williams is the team's leading receiver and comeback player of the year candidate, while Obomanu has settled well into the role of the team's deep threat. Against a 49ers secondary with a propensity for giving up the deep ball, it's a crucial question mark. Receiving targets John Carlson and Deon Butler will likely be the primary option for Matt Hasselbeck, but the 49ers have to like their chances with that one.
Offensive tackle Joe Staley and kicker Joe Nedney remain out for San Francisco, while cornerback William James remains doubtful. Jeff Reed will handle the kicking duties again for the 49ers, after going 3-for-3 against the Packers in his red and gold debut.
Niners Nation, our 49ers blog, has the full injury report posted here.