Golden Nuggets: Marvel Smith and Michael Crabtree dominate the headlines

We arrive at our third game day of the year just as 49ers news is starting to bubble over.  While Michael Crabtree remains in limbo, the big news yesterday was the somewhat unexpected (although in the end maybe not so shocking) alleged retirement of Marvel Smith.  I say alleged because as of me writing this, Smith has not confirmed one way or the other.  I'll have some thoughts on this later in the day.  We'll have a brief Q&A with our Cowboys blog, Blogging the Boys at 8am, followed by some Marvel Smith thoughts around lunchtime (as always, all times pacific).  In the meantime, on to the links...

49ers cornerback Tarell Brown embraces competition (SJ Mercury News)

49ers' Willis will check his Cowboys fandom at the sideline (SJ Mercury News)

49ers' Hill returns wondering what's all the fuss? (SJ Mercury News)

49ers punter Andy Lee playing under new rules at Cowboys Stadium (SJ Mercury News)

49ers tackle Marvel Smith might be backing out (SJ Mercury News)

The 49ers’ true Crabtree Countdown: T-minus one week (give or take a few days) (SJ Mercury News)

20 Questions: FB Moran Norris (49ers.com)

49ers Gear Up For Dallas (49ers.com)

Singletary's Notebook: Aug. 28 (49ers.com)

Plenty more after the jump...

"Do Over" Rule in Dallas (49ers.com)

49ers Blog and Q&A: Marvel Smith contemplating retirement (Barrows)

49ers Blog and Q&A: Cowboys home is big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas (Barrows)

Time for Singletary to step down as "face of the franchise" (SFGate.com)

Niner Insider : Marvel Smith Out (SFGate.com)

QB Davis' skillset present dilemma (SFGate.com)

Marvel Smith plans to retire (Maiocco)

Smith tells Niners he's done (Maiocco)

NFL Game Center: San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys (NFL.com)

49ers' $20M Offer Won't Cut It For Crabtree (Yahoo Sports)

Who has it worse: Broncos with Marshall or 49ers with Crabtree? (ProFootballWeekly.com)

31 Days, 31 Teams: San Francisco 49ers (Newsradio 620)