Would 49ers be in good hands with Ziggy?

The 49ers could be playing in some extreme weather on Sunday in Buffalo. And they might not have an experienced player back returning punts.

Coach Mike Singletary said he does not want to use Nate Clements as his punt returner. Clements returned 35 punts in 2004 while with the Bills. He seems to be the 49ers’ best bet to handle the position cleanly with Allen Rossum out of action.

 

However, the 49ers might turn to Arnaz Battle (if he’s healthy enough to play) or Josh Morgan (if he’s healthy enough to play). Or, the punt returner might be first-year player Dominique Zeigler, who never even returned a punt in college.

 

Zeigler has tremendous hands, but Singletary would certainly open himself up to second-guessing on Sunday if things go awry.

 

Walt Harris is questionable with a hamstring strain. If he can’t play, there’s a “strong possibility” second-year player Tarell Brown would get his first NFL start. That would be a good opportunity for the kid to show what he can do.

 

Receiver Jason Hill went through the entire practice today, but he was added to the injury report after feeling tightness in his groin.

 

Linebacker Patrick Willis (ankle) returned to practice, as did Takeo Spikes, who was given a rest from Wednesday’s work.

 

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Just a Thanksgiving Day observation: Watching the first half of the Seahawks-Cowboys game, I’m left to wonder if the 49ers and the Seahawks are the same team. There does not seem to be a lot of difference between the game today and what we witnessed on Sunday.

 

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Happy Thanksgiving to all.

 

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