SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been getting extra reps this week. With Alex Smith suffering a concussion last Sunday, getting Kaepernick more reps was something he wanted to do just in case Smith was to have a setback from his recovery.
"It's just getting more prepared," Kaepernick said of the extra reps he's been getting. Kapernick looked to be wearing a playbook wristband during practice, suggesting that he is ready to play on Sunday if he is called to.
The 49ers are hopeful that Smith, who has been medically cleared to play, doesn't have any setbacks. But if he does, Harbaugh feels confident in the rookie Kaepernick to step up.
"Colin did get more reps this week," Harbaugh said. "He's doing a good job. He's working on a lot of the finer points of the game and doing a very good job."
===
Who's playing?
Harbaugh said that wide receiver Michael Crabtree was "probable" to play this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The wide receiver, according to Harbaugh, has a "75-percent" chance that he'll see action on Sunday.
Harbaugh didn't say much on safety Dashon Goldson's status, but the safety believed he is healthy and is expecting to start at free safety.
"This week, the focus was on how many reps I can get and how good I feel," Goldson said after practice. "If I was to say right now, I'd say I'd be playing a lot, most of the game."
Goldson knows that there is a great opportunity to make a mark on defense as the Bengals are starting rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.
"Going to a ballgame, you always want to go out there and get turnovers," said Goldson. "We've seen a couple plays where he's forced the ball. We've got to capitalize on those things and tighten up from what we learned last week and take it into the ballgame."
===
Other notes:
- Bengals WR Jerome Simpson's status for Sunday is listed as questionable for SUnday. Simpson is currently being investigated for receiving 2.5 pounds of marijuana at his house (and six more pounds of marijuana was found in the residence). If Simpson doesn't play, Andre Caldwell could start in his place.
- It was reported yesterday that Bengals RB Cedric Benson will be suspended for three games for off-field violations during the lockout. He is appealing the suspension and is expected to play Sunday.
- Harbaugh said that since the team will be away from home for 10 days, the biggest thing he wanted to make sure the team had was the video equipment. The team will load up on video equipment as they will look over film at the team hotel throughout the week as they prepare for the Eagles.
- Official injury report: CB Brock (hand), WR Crabtree (feet), QB Smith (concussion) are all probable. WR Edwards (knee), RB Norris (fibula) are out for Sunday.
- The 49ers simulated crowd noise during practice by blasting hip hop instrumentals. LB NaVorro Bowman said that they did some songs from Rick Ross and Bay Area classic rap song "I Got 5 On It" by The Luniz.
Comments