Third receiver Arnaz Battle, the 49ers’ leading pass-catcher among team’s wideouts, will miss Monday night’s game with a foot sprain, coach Mike Singletary just announced.
Battle, tackle Barry Sims (ankle) and safety Dashon Goldson (knee) will not be available because of injuries for the 49ers’ Monday night game against the Cardinals.
Battle, who played in 42 consecutive games, has 24 receptions for 318 yards on the season. This should translate into more playing time for second-year player Jason Hill. After Battle’s injury two weeks ago, Hill came in and caught a 33-yard pass from Shaun Hill.
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Jonas Jennings is expected to return to practice this week. Jennings or Adam Snyder will start at right tackle. Singletary said he wants to put Snyder at one position and let him play there. Snyder started the first seven games at left guard. There are some in the organization who have thought that Snyder was better-suited to play tackle, rather than guard. Singletary apparently agrees.
Jennings is scheduled for limited work today. He has been out since Sept. 14 with a dislocated shoulder. Defensive end Ray McDonald (knee) is also scheduled for limited work.
Tight end Delanie Walker (elbow) will have a full slate of practice.
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Through the first eight games of last season, Vernon Davis saw 40 passes come his way. And that includes more than two games that he missed with a knee injury. Through the first eight games this season, the 49ers have thrown only 25 passes his way. Davis is on pace to be the target of just 50 passes. He caught 52 passes last season under offensive coordinator Jim Hostler.
Singletary said he hopes Davis will be used more and more as a target in the passing game in the second half of the season, as he gains the trust of QB Shaun Hill. During his infamous postgame rant a couple weeks ago, Singletary said he wasn’t sure if Davis would still be the starter.
Well,Singletary is certain now.
“Heck, yeah,” Singletary answered when asked if Davis is still the starter. “We do want to win.”
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