After missing last week's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a staph infection, San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga is listed as the probable starter on the team's depth chart this week against the Detroit Lions.
Ricky Jean-Francois got his first NFL start in Sopoaga's place last week, filling in admirably in the Niners 48-3 beat down at Candlestick Park, but will likely be usurped by the eight year veteran Sopoaga out in Detroit this coming Sunday. The defense didn't struggle without him (obviously) but he presence on the field and in the locker room is key to keeping the continuity of the defense, as well as dealing with the Lions
Sopoaga was spotted with a arm in a sling during the Bucs game last Sunday, likely to protect the infected area somewhere on his arm, though it is uncertain exactly where. So far in 2011 Sopoaga has six tackles (two solo) and no sacks
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