To start, just wanted to say that for all of you that wanted to play in a Niners Nation Madden tournament or franchise, I'll have a fanpost up for signups and all of that later on today. I will be handling the Xbox 360 version - if you want to host a PS3 version, come to the post later for more info. (Note: First thing that happened to me after kicking off? When I stopped the opposing team, my first ever punt return was muffed and resulted in a turnover. Ouch) Beyond that, we've got some non-video game Niner news going on and it's not good. Not good because of yet another injury. I don't like this at all, until now it was all players who we wouldn't miss too much of a beat by losing them but.. now we lost our best offensive lineman for the first few weeks and I'm a little worried. I don't think the season is in jeopardy but I'm not feeling good at this point. Alex Smith needs a line to succeed. Anyway.. just some thoughts, here's your links and all of that good stuff.
Kentwan Balmer was absent from the 49ers afternoon practice. I wonder what was going on, maybe it's already been stated but I've yet to read far into it. I personally didn't think he'd be much coming out of college and I still echo those sentiments. (SacBee.com)
Rookie offensive linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati were named starters yesterday. I'm not surprised in the least bit. (CSNBayArea.com)
The team cut ties with returner LeRoy Vann. It was a nice thought, to think he could come in and be fantastic, but he just wasn't working out at this level. Glad I didn't jump on the Vann-wagon as I'm prone to do, considering I'd be crushed right now if I hap. (SacBee.com)
Center Eric Heitmann is out 6-8 weeks with a leg fracture. That really hurts us, he's the team's best lineman and well... it just is a blow. (CSNBayArea.com)
More speculation on Kentwan Balmer and what's going on with him - personally, I don't think he has any right to be upset with reps. (PressDemocrat.com)
NaVorro Bowman is becoming an important focus for the team. I honestly think Bowman will go down as one of the team's better picks of the last few years, I think he'll be great once Spikes retires/leaves the team. (Examiner.com)
Maiocco has his morning notes from practice, and his afternoon notes are right here as well. (CSNBayArea.com)
Barber clarifies some thoughts on Jason Hill. I'm a big fan of Jason, I really am, but he needs to be more consistent in camp. (PressDemocrat.com)
Jerry Rice made it to Canton - now is it time for Eddie D.? I really think he deserves it. (CSNBayArea.com)
Kevin Jurovich, the wide receiver the Niners recently signed, was a big fan of the team growing up. That's pretty cool, shame he really doesn't have a shot to make the roster. (MercuryNews.com)
Coach Mike Singletary believes in second chances, which is always something I've liked about him. (MercuryNews.com)
Singletary ended the morning practice early yesterday, it just wasn't going well at all. Players were falling at every turn. Dropping like flies. (PressDemocrat.com)
The 49ers offensive line is starting to look youthful. That's all well and nice, they're young - let's just hope they can play, yeah? (SacBee.com)
Hey look at that, the 49ers appear to be favored against the Colts. The article makes a good point about the Niners being younger and playing with more urgency. (BetOnline.com)
Yesterday On Niners Nation
Golden Nuggets: Take It Easy (Ninjames)
49ers training camp: I do believe it's a game week! (Fooch)
49ers reportedly release rookie returner LeRoy Vann (Fooch)
Niners Nation Fantasy Football Update (Fooch)
49ers Training Camp Open Thread: Injuries and New Starters (Fooch)
Heitmann reportedly breaks left fibula; potentially out 6-8 weeks (Fooch)
Not Another TO Story (urnext)
Vernon Davis on Mike Singletary : "Best thing that ever happened to me in my life." (Fooch)
Today On Niners Nation (All times pacific and subject to change)
7:00 a.m. 49ers Training Camp: Offensive line developments and the Kentwan Balmer situation (Fooch)
11:00 a.m. What's Your Confidence Level For Mike Singletary? (Ninjames)
2:00 p.m. No idea at all. (Somebody)
Yesterday's Best Comment, Rival Blog Buzz and Beat Writer Roundup will all be a normal part of the Nuggets again starting tomorrow. Also coming: revamping the gameday Nuggets and more. It's my claim to fame - may as well continue making them better and better.