Mike Singletary has a detailed scouting report on Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2006, Atogwe’s combination of forced fumbles (16) and interceptions (17) are the most in the NFL.
But, more important to Singletary . . .
“He’s a gentleman,” Singletary said. “He’s been to my home several times. We’ve had conversations — not about football but about life. He’s a quality individual. That’s what I know about him.”
How does Singletary know so much about the Rams’ franchise player? Atogwe is dating Singletary’s second-oldest daughter, Jill, who plays volleyball at Academy of Art University in
Jill Singletary attended Illinois Institute of Art in
She accepted an offer from former 49ers tight end Jamie Williams, the athletic director of
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Atogwe is playing this season with a one-year contract as the Rams’ franchise player. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. On Sunday, it’ll be all business as he faces the 49ers. Former teammate Isaac Bruce will be the focus of a lot of his attention.
“The ageless one,” Atogwe said of Bruce. “To me, he’s still playing at a very high level. I don’t know if there’s a guy who runs routes better than Isaac Bruce. He’s real crafty. I tell the corners that all the time, how he’s able to set you up for a play, five plays before it happens.
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Defensive lineman Justin Smith was fined $5,000 for his hit on Vikings quarterback Brett Favre that drew a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. Smith was fined for “striking the quarterback in the knee area,” the NFL said. The onus is on defensive players, even if they’re on the ground, to get up and hit a quarterback above the knee. Just call it the Tom Brady Rule.
However, Smith said he did hit Favre above the knee, and the film review confirmed it, he said.
“The thing that made me mad was it cost us 15 yards,” Smith said. “That, and the penalty on (Shawntae Spencer) hurt us a bunch. . . . I thought I hit him in the thigh. Any time you get around the quarterback’s knee, the way the owners put the rule in, I believe, is to protect the guy where they have all their money.”
Smith said he would appeal the fine.
Meanwhile, Spencer was not fined for his taunting penalty, which came later on that drive and led to a Vikings field goal.
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–Singletary said he thought the 49ers had a good week of practicing in getting prepared to face the Rams.
–Singletary did not divulge the team’s plan with receivers Brandon Jones or Jason Hill. “Either can be up or both of them,” Singletary said. Both players expect to suit up for the first time this season.
–Adam Snyder and Tony Pashos are both expected to see playing time at right tackle again. But Singletary said Snyder will likely start seeing more playing in the future, as he’s “doing what he has to do.”
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INJURY REPORT
49ers
Out: RB Frank Gore (ankle/foot) and S Reggie Smith (groin).
Probable: G David Baas (ankle), TE Vernon Davis (shin), T Adam Snyder (thumb), CB Shawntae Spencer (shoulder), LB Takeo Spikes (shin), T Joe Staley (thigh) and LB Jeff Ulbrich (thigh).
Rams
Out: S James Butler (knee).
Doubtful: T Jason Smith (knee).
Questionable: CB Ron Bartell (thigh), QB Marc Bulger (right shoulder).
Probable: T Alex Barron (thigh).
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