49ers-Detroit: Jonas Jennings and Shawntae Spencer ruled out

by David Fucillo on Sep 17, 2008 11:30 AM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

Thanks to my handy-dandy text updates from the 49ers, I recently was informed that Jonas Jennings and Shawntae Spencer were already ruled out for this Sunday's matchup with the Lions.

Barry Sims will be filling in for Jennings and after last week's game, maybe that's a good thing. Jennings had a bit of a holding issue that will hopefully be lessened with Sims filling in. WHile JTO had his issues with pass protection, we'll see how a full week of first team practice helps sharpen things up.

On the defensive side of the ball, I'd have to guess that Donald Strickland will fill in as the nickel back. Of course, if Dashon Goldson is able to play (and it sounds like he will), he is a very interesting option as a nickel back. He is listed as a free safety but he got a lot of time at cornerback in college. Either guy is a solid option as the #3, but Goldson and his ball-hawking ways brings a little more intrigue.

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Strickland vs Goldson

I think it all boils down to the situation the nickel (or SUB) package is being brought in to.

I think (I can’t for the life of me recall why) the team likes Strickland in coverage a lot more than they like Goldson. If the 49ers are feeling a run, they would probably stick Goldson in at FS, shift Roman over to SS, and let Michael Lewis step up in the box (much like they did against the Seahawks).

If the 49ers are feeling a pass (i.e. third down or second and long), they’d probably opt to bring in Strickland. He would probably line up on the outside WR with Harris sliding in against the slot guy, much like they would do if Spencer were available.

Considering this week’s challenge is the Lions, it’s very likely they’ll roll out Strickland a lot more than they will Goldson, as the Lion’s running attack is practically non-existent. Hopefully O’Sullivan and the offense can take a big early lead and make sure the running attack stays that way.

by sfgfan on Sep 17, 2008 1:44 PM PDT reply actions

If JT gets sacked by the Lions D more then 4 times, then something is terribly wrong

"I think I was the best player I ever saw"
Willie Mays, you ain't kidding

by CB30 on Sep 17, 2008 2:17 PM PDT reply actions

hopefully Sims can handle RT

"I think I was the best player I ever saw"
Willie Mays, you ain't kidding

by CB30 on Sep 17, 2008 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Jennings

At first I thought his “injury” might be just to help the guy save face. Jennings was horrible in the first half, absolutely horrible. And then suddenly he’s “injured” and not playing. Then I remembered the way they handled the QB controversy, and I remembered that the are unaware of how to help a guy save face.

I’d never wish injury on a guy, but maybe this will work out for the best for the team. Maybe he was trying to play through the injury, and that’s why he kept holding anything he could find. If so, I hope he heals up and returns better than before.

Never forget: I am a complete idiot

by Exhibit G on Sep 17, 2008 4:15 PM PDT reply actions

what happened to reggie smith?

is he not even being considered for playing time in Spencer’s absence?

by shlecko on Sep 17, 2008 11:19 PM PDT reply actions

Well.

The following DBs were inactive last week: Marcus Hudson, Donald Strickland, and Reggie Smith.

Of those three, I think Strickland is the most likely to be activated. Smith will get his time at some point this season, though.

The interesting thing from last week, though, is that Tarell Brown made the active list over Strickland. At least the coaching staff has some faith in the younger fellows on the team.

by sfgfan on Sep 18, 2008 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions

I don’t know if I’ve been as outspoken about how much I dislike Jonas Jennings as I generally want to be. I really, really don’t like this guy. He’s RARELY in a condition to play, and when he is he blows!

On the other hand, I’ve been fairly outspoken about how much I DO like Shawntae Spencer. I really, really like that guy.

Let me just put it this way: I’ll miss Spencer for however long he’s out.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Sep 18, 2008 1:16 AM PDT reply actions

Now Howie...

… you know you’re supposed to play nice.

In all seriousness, I don’t think Jennings is as bad as you make him sound when he’s healthy. He’s just, as you pointed out, RARELY ever healthy. It’s very possible that this injury is still very much made up and that the team has just gotten sick of his unreliability. Then again, if that were the case, they wouldn’t really make him inactive, as he could still be a useful backup. Go figure.

I’m with you on the whole Spencer thing. I think that if he doesn’t turn things around this season, though, his ship may be pulling out of the port.

by sfgfan on Sep 18, 2008 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Trade Jennings

Its time to get rid of Jennings he has been a pain ever since he was picked up… I say we trade him and pick up a couple if not a draft pick.

Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.

by bayboy on Sep 18, 2008 3:30 PM PDT reply actions

I can’t really see anybody trading for a player who has spent as much time off the field as Jennings has over the last [his entire career].

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Sep 18, 2008 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought we had it bad..

I just went to the Lions SB site to see what they were thinking about the Niners. Looks like we’re the last thing on their mind. Themost recent blogs were all about the state of the Lions franchise and Matt Millen- nothing about games or strategy ideas. I am now more grateful for what we have with the 49ers and I expect a BIG win on Sunday.

"We'd like to think that tickets will be hard to come by." Bill Walsh

by TripTheNinja on Sep 18, 2008 7:20 PM PDT reply actions