Football is so close. Did you know that? I can't believe we're only a few days away. Baseball has been good to me this offseason. The Giants have been a little better than awful for a good portion of the time I've been without my Niners, and I will still be going to McCovey Chronicles to take part in the orchestrated insanity that is their game threads every time I get a chance. But football is football. Also, I posted a fanpost about an official NN Madden tournament/franchise of sorts - so be sure to go check that out and give your thoughts. Beyond that, we're getting into game-week mode here on Niners Nation today and I expect each and every one of you here this weekend for the gamethread. Or I'll pluck out your eyes. Or something. Enjoy the links.
Kentwan Balmer was given time off due to family issues. Hope all is OK. (CSNBayArea.com)
Maiocco has a mailbag post for you to read up on. I didn't yet, but I'm sure it covers some good 49ers stuff. (CSNBayArea.com)
Jimmy Raye defended Alex Smith's recent bad performance at practice. Then again, he doesn't really have good practices regardless. (SacBee.com)
Here are Maiocco's notes for the morning practice, and also his notes on the afternoon. (CSNBayArea.com)
Injuries at outside linebacker have opened the door for some other players. I just hope Brooks gets better soon. (PressDemocrat.com)
As noted above, Alex Smith did not have himself a good practice. At all. (PressDemocrat.com)
The 49ers defense had a field day, however. (49ers.com)
Why not? Some more notes. (SFGate.com)
And even more. Not able to read this right now, so that's where the lack of commentary comes from. (MercuryNews.com)
Catch Up with Kyle Williams (NBCBayArea.com)
Road to the roster: Chris Maragos. I like this guy a lot. (49ers.com)
Yesterday On Niners Nation
Golden Nuggets: NFL.. Madden.. Football Is Great (Ninjames)
49ers Training Camp: Offensive line developments and the Kentwan Balmer situation (Fooch)
What's Your Confidence Level For Mike Singletary? (Ninjames)
49ers Training Camp: Trudging through the dog days of training camp (Fooch)
49ers Training Camp: Jimmy Raye Speaks (Fooch)
Today On Niners Nation(All times pacific and subject to change)
7:00 a.m. 49ers Training Camp: Kyle Willians at WR and on special teams (Fooch)
11:00 a.m. Concussions and the NFL (smileyman)
1:00 p.m. San Francisco 49ers @ Indianapolis Colts: A Preseason Prospector's Guide (Fooch)
4:30 p.m. At Least We're Not... The Philadelphia Eagles (Ninjames) [not for sure on this one]
Sorry it was late folks, updating with more links right after I post this.