Golden Nuggets: Alex Smith injury news, Bears-49ers previews abound

Ah, another 49er-less Sunday. Didn't we just get over this. I thought I worked my way through this life-problem and here it comes rearing its ugly head. Well, la di da. What game are we most looking forward to today. It's not the most exciting of schedules, is it? I guess the Green Bay at Detroit team has the most intrigue pertaining to us, but with playoff tie-breakers all but nullified by our tie we don't have to boggle our minds in the last two weeks of the season trying to figure out the 49ers' playoff scenarios. Finish with the better record and BAM!

As for the days news, there isn't much to offer you. There's some preview material from the usual suspects (me included). After that you've got Alex Smith news followed by Alex Smith updates followed by Alex Smith and rhubarb crumble for desert. Yum! I'll get you to them, because, well, it's Sunday and there's little time to waste!

Week 11: Bears at 49ers

With Jay Cutler ruled out for Monday's matchup with the Bears and Alex Smith still questionable, the ground game looks to loom large. Frank Gore, Matt Forte, Patrick Willis, Brian Urlacher, NaVorro Bowman! Should be a battle all night long, but I expect the 49ers' O-line to be the difference. | Winner of the ground game should be victorious on MNF. (Malone)

Christian Gin has his 5 keys to victory. Battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball figures to be a major factor. And of course, the 49ers must protect the football. It's been a hard task for many teams this season, but the Bears have faced two teams you would consider top-10, Packers and Texans, and they're 0-2. | 49ers vs Bears: Five keys to victory. (Gin)

Mike Sando notes what most of us have been thinking. We're getting a break by facing the Bears without Jay Cutler. Jason Campbell hasn't scared anyone in years. He's a capable backup, and shouldn't be underestimated, though his timing and rapport with the receivers can't be in on the same level as Cutler. | MNF preview: 49ers catching a QB break? (Sando)

Here are two of the many things that you can take from Kyle Bonagura's preview piece. First, if the 49ers win, they will tie Dallas for the most wins in MNF history (43). Also, Frank Gore is the leading active player in rushing yards on MNF. And he spent quite a few years with little to no Monday night exposure. | 49ers game preview vs Bears: Analysis, prediction, TV info. (CBS Sports)

Cam Inman has some good preview material, as usual. He has a bit about the friendship between Jason Campbell and Carlos Rogers. They played together for five seasons in Washington as well as playing together in college at Auburn. | 49ers notebook: Alex Smith on course to start against Bears. (Inman)

Alex Smith Injury News

Here's an important piece of info in regards to Alex Smith's injury and his likelihood of suiting up. Everyone who has suffered a concussion since 2011 and was cleared to practice, even in a no-contact manner, was cleared to play the game that weekend. | 49ers cleared to practice have played next game. (Maiocco)

Cam Inman gives us the full injury report for both teams along with players' practice participation throughout the week. Slick graphic design for an injury report article! | Alex Smith officially listed as questionable, 10 others probable. (Inman)

Alex Smith goes through fourth straight practice in no-contact jersey. (Barrows)

Alex Smith, Joe Staley and the 'contact test'. (Branch)

Assorted News

Brandon Jacobs has taken time out of his busy schedule to comment on the anonymous Jets vs Tim Tebow saga. He says that the New York media is probably behind it all. | Brandon Jacobs doesn't believe Jets players anonymously bashed Tim Tebow. (BASG)

Here's Coach Harbaugh in his own words on his recent minor heart procedure. | Jim Harbaugh talks about his heart procedure. (BASG)

What's wrong with David Akers? Well for one, last year he kicked one thousand kicks from inside the 30-yard line. We're getting the ball in the endzone this season, which is what's important, not easy FG ops for Mr. Akers. | Better red-zone offense means fewer short kicks for Akers. (Maiocco)

David Akers taking heat for slump. (Branch)

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh 'glad to be back' at practice. (Inman)

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, no second thoughts to going back to work. (Poole)

Videos

Press pass: Vic Fangio. (49ers.com)

Press pass: Joe Staley. (49ers.com)

Press pass: Greg Roman. (49ers.com)

Being a Sheep

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