Checking in from the Rambus press box at Candlestick Park, and the 49ers have just announced the inactive players for the game. No surprises here for either team. Patrick Willis is the big one for San Francisco, he'll be out with rookie NaVorro Bowman getting the start in his place next to Takeo Spikes, and his backup, Keaton Kristick, is also out. Joe Staley remains out and off of injured reserve, apparently the team had no use for that roster spot. Tight end Nate Byham, DE Will Tukuafu, and cornerbacks Phillip Adams and William James round out the inactives for San Francisco. David Carr is the emergency backup quarterback.
No surprises for the Cardinals either, the big names are Larod Stephens-Howling, the kick returner and linebacker Joey Porter. Porter and 49ers tight end had a nice little feud last season when Porter was with Miami. Ben Patrick, Marshay Green, A.J. Jefferson and linebacker Gerald Hayes are the inactives for Arizona, with Derek Anderson being the emergency third quarterback.