The San Francisco 49ers released their weekly game release (PDF) for the Lions game and it includes their latest depth chart and probable starters for the game. The latest probable starters list includes Isaac Sopoaga, a few days after he missed the Bucs game with a reported staph infection. The 49ers will release a practice participation report later this afternoon and we might have a better idea of Sopoaga's availability depending on his location on that report.
The 49ers also have listed Ted Ginn Jr. as the probable starter opposite Michael Crabtree. Kyle Williams will slot in as the number three receiver, while Brett Swain will likely be focusing primarily on special teams. As I mentioned in the previous post, I think we can expect to see Delanie Walker's role increase as much as or more than Ted Gin and/or Kyle Williams. I think we'll see those two get plenty involved, but Walker is the real wild card in this.
The 49ers also list out their traditional 3-4 front seven starters, but against a prolific passing team like the Detroit Lions, I would imagine the nickel defense will be operating more as the base defense. That of course means we get to see a lot more of Aldon Smith. We like that. We like that a lot. In fact, a little later today I'll have another Aldon Smith breakdown, looking at his two sacks last week.
The depth chart still lists Shawntae Spencer and Tramaine Brock as the primary backups at cornerback. Spencer could not go this past week due to his toe injury. Chris Culliver came on in relief and put together a pretty awesome performance with a pick and a couple solid passes defended. Depending on how Spencer performs in practice this week, Culliver could look at a continue expanded role. He filled the nickel back role last week, and if the 49ers stick with a lot of nickel this week, Culliver could get that boost in playing time.