Tonight at 8:30 p.m., the San Francisco 49ers (1-2) will take on the St. Louis Rams (1-2), in a Thursday Night Football matchup that carries more NFC West significance than either side likely expected in the preseason. Live stream the game free here; 49ers fans can hear the game on KNBR, while Rams fans can turn their radio dials to 101 ESPN.
Colin Kaepernick is enduring his first real struggles as an NFL quarterback early in this season. He's bottled up his frustration so far, only giving a glimpse when he began favoriting and retweeting negative social media barbs directed his way.
When asked about them, Kaepernick tersely responded, "It helps me." He will need all the help he can get, as his wide receiving corps is banged up. Michael Crabtree has been out since the preseason with a torn Achilles, as has Mario Manningham. Recently, Vernon Davis suffered a hamstring injury that rendered him inactive Sunday against the Colts. He's listed as questionable for tonight's tilt.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh expects his charges to rise to the challenge tonight and set their season on a better path. "We're not going to hang our heads," Harbaugh said. "Football is not easy, there are struggles. We've got some adversity, no question about it. We also have the rare opportunity to stare adversity in the face and whip it. That's our goal."
That adversity isn't limited to the offense. Patrick Willis is questionable for tonight's game, and sack specialist Aldon Smith is out indefinitely after checking himself into rehab following a DUI arrest.
Meanwhile, after two promising games the Rams regressed in a 31-7 drubbing against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Jeff Fisher believes tonight's game is a test of his team's mettle.
"This is a defining moment for us right now," Fisher said. "All you have to do is put on a series here or a series there of our matchup last year, either one of the two games against the 49ers, and we'll have their attention."
49ers Injury Report:
Probable: Mike Iupati (G), Frank Gore (RB), Carlos Rogers (CB), Jonathan Goodwin (C), Ray McDonald (DT), Justin Smith (DT), Navorro Bowman (LB),
Questionable: Vernon Davis (TE), Nnamdi Asomugha (CB), Raymond Ventrone (S), Kyle Williams (WR) Anthony Davis (T), Patrick Willis (LB).
Rams Injury Report:
Probable: Mike McNeill (TE), Joe Barksdale (T), T.J. McDonald (S), Daryl Richardson (RB), Chris Williams (G), Chris Givens (WR), Jake Long (T), James Laurinitis LB)
Out: William Hayes (DE), Roger Saffold (T).
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
