San Francisco’s running back reps behind Frank Gore will be a key to Sunday’s game in St. Louis. Whether Brandon Jacobs or LaMichael James becomes the featured No. 2 runner behind Gore remains to be seen.

Jim Harbaugh said the reps against the Rams would be shared “among the other backs.”

With the loss of Kendall Hunter and Kyle Williams to season-ending injuries last week in New Orleans, the 49ers coach will have to find ways of showcasing other players on the roster.

Even so, Harbaugh admitted the injured players will be tough to replace.

“When you lose trusted agents and known friends,” the 49ers coach said, “it creates opportunities for youngsters to step up.”

Harbaugh is eager to see if James or first-round pick A.J. Jenkins can potentially answer the call if needed.

“I’m confident those youngsters will,” Harbaugh went on to say.

Even with heavy rain falling at the 49ers training facility in Santa Clara, Harbaugh made the most of the day by having his team hold its first turf-field practice of the season.

Not many rainy days in the Bay Area during football season, but Harbaugh was pleased to have a chance to practice in it.

“Always like to use those opportunities” he said.

Overall, Harbaugh felt like it was a good week of work even with a quarterback change announced mid-week.

“I thought the focus was good and the practices were good,” he said.

The 49ers coach also spoke highly of newly promoted linebacker Michael Wilhoite, a player who came on to the team’s scouting radar last season. Wilhoite spent time on the practice squad the last two years before being promoted as the team’s No. 53 player on the roster Friday morning.

“He’s a real professional,” Harbaugh said of Wilhoite, who could potentially play on special teams if active on Sunday. “He’s chomping at the bit to get on the field… we’ll see if that happens in the game.”

Injury Update

Harbaugh said David Akers (hip) would be fine for Sunday in St. Louis. Also, safety Darcel McBath (concussion) is questionable to play.

Jim Harbaugh heard the comments made from New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride Thursday morning and decided to respond.

The veteran Giants offensive play-caller said 49ers MVP Justin Smith “gets away with murder” when it comes to defensive holding.

After learning of Gilbride’s comments, Harbaugh issued the following statement through the team’s Public Relations staff:

“Kevin Gilbride’s outrageous, irrational statement regarding Justin Smith’s play is, first, an absurd analogy. Second, it is an incendiary comment targeting one of the truly exemplary players in this league. It’s obvious that the Giants coaching staff’s sole purpose is to use their high visibility to both criticize and influence officiating.”

Asked to clarify his comments, Harbaugh said they would stand on their own.

“Nothing to expand on,” the 49ers coach said. “Said what I felt… It’s been addressed, we’ll move on.”

Smith also discussed the matter.

“I don’t really know what he’s talking about to be honest with you,” Smith said when Gilbride’s comments were relayed to him in the 49ers locker room. “If he’s trying to get some bulletin board stuff – good for him. Whatever they need to do.”

Harbaugh said the team had a good week of practice. “Very enthusiastic,” Harbaugh said of his players. “Great focus.”

The coach also said Brandon Jacobs had a “good week” of practice, but wouldn’t specify if Jacobs would make his 49ers debut against his former team. Jacobs’ 56 rushing touchdowns stand as the most in Giants history.

With or without Jacobs in the lineup, Harbaugh believes his team is well prepared for a 60-minute game.

“I believe this will be a highly competitive, rough, tough game between two good football teams,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the highest compliment – these are good football teams.”

Harbaugh added that the 49ers will have to “play their best to win this game.”

Helping his cause, San Francisco’s head coach believes the team will have a strong homefield advantage throughout the game.

“We’re pleased with our fans,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a great atmosphere to play.”

Alex Smith’s had a whirlwind seven-day stretch to say the least.

John Branch of the New York Times summed it up succinctly in a recent story.

“In this, the eighth chapter of The Many Lives of Alex Smith, the San Francisco quarterback leads the league in passer rating, coolly commands a high-scoring offense that sets a single-game yardage record, is deemed such a local celebrity that he tosses the ceremonial first pitch of a baseball playoff series and talks football with the president,” Branch wrote.

The week could get even better if the 49ers quarterback wins the FedEx Air Player of the Week award. And, if he beats the New York Giants this Sunday at Candlestick Park.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle passes along the comments of Giants offensive coordinator Kelvin Gilbride, who believes Justin Smith gets away with defensive holding.

Branch also writes about the 49ers success cramping Harbaugh’s coaching style.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee looks at the chances of Brandon Jacobs making his 49ers debut this Sunday.

CBSSports.com’s Kyle Bonagura shares Jacobs comments about returning to 100-percent health.

FoxSports.com’s Alex Marvez looks at the 49ers mindset heading into a NFC title game rematch.

49ers.com looked at Mario Manningham’s recent do-it-all versatility with his new team.

49ers five-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis joined the latest Niner Talk podcast.

49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks joined this week’s 49ers.com “Weekly Conversation.”

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We need you #49ersFaithful… Sunday. Candlestick. #SeaOfRed….—
Jed York (@JedYork) October 12, 2012

Wear red, get loud (except with the 49ers have the ball on offense).

The 49ers have turned the page from last week’s impressive 34-0 road victory against the New York Jets and have focused their attention to the Buffalo Bills for Week 5. Despite giving up 45 points in the second half of last week’s 52-28 loss to the Patriots, the Bills are stacked with talent at all three levels of defense. Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle described the dangerous Bills team which is looking to rebound from last week’s tough loss.

“Head coach Jim Harbaugh said the Bills were ‘statistically a very good football team’ with a ‘solid’ defense that features the ‘best defensive line’ the 49ers have faced this season,” Branch wrote. “Not to be outdone, quarterback Alex Smith insisted Buffalo was ‘extremely talented on the defensive side of the ball, across the board.’”

The rest of the today’s Morning Tailgate takes a look at Buffalo’s front four, the problem Colin Kaepernick poses the Bills, Willie Mays’ visit to team headquarters and more.

Mindi Bach of CSNBayArea.com details Buffalo’s vaunted defensive front led by Mario Williams. Bach: “There is no denying the size and talent among Buffalo’s front four. The Bill’s starting defensive line is responsible for eight of the team’s 10 sacks.  Defensive tackle Kyle Williams leads the bunch with 3.5. But the 49ers are getting familiar with all of them.”

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com broke down the game film from last week’s win and praised the 49ers offensive line. Maiocco: “The thing that stood out the most after re-watching the 49ers’ offense was how well the offensive line played. The 49ers gained 249 yards rushing on 42 attempts (5.9-yard average) before the two kneeldowns at the end. And the pocket remained mostly clean for Alex Smith, as well as Colin Kaepernick on his one deep pass attempt.”

Kyle Bonagura of CBSSports.com shared the story of a 1992 game between the 49ers and the Bills that remains as the only game in NFL history that didn’t feature a punt. Bonagura: “San Francisco quarterback Steve Young threw for 449 yards and ran for 50, Buffalo quarterback Jim Kelly threw for 403 yards and Rathman scored a touchdown, but the Bills’ 34-31 win is best remembered as something else: The only game in NFL history without a punt.”

Lindsay Wershaw of the Cornell Daily Sun wrote about Cornell students who have a chance to help design a pub for the new Santa Clara Stadium. “The stadium’s chief design officer, John Sergi ’89, helped co-teach the class and served as one of the judges. Other judges included Gideon Yu, president and co-owner of the 49ers; Greg Fender, senior vice president of sports for Centerplate, the company run by Sergi; and Scott Capstack, the architect for the new stadium.”

Matt Bowen of National Football Post used coaches’ film to break down Kaepernick’s touchdown run in the Meadowlands. Bowen: “when you run the ball with the QB, the offense picks up an extra blocker in the scheme. Smart call here from Harbaugh and an excellent use of personnel.”

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee spoke to college coaches who faced Kaepernick in college. Barrows: “Kaepernick, who rushed for 4,112 yards in four seasons at Nevada, is causing similar headaches in the NFL.”

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group noted the difficulty of posting back-to-back shutouts on defense. Inman: “The only times (the 49ers have) won back-to-back games in shutout fashion were in 1961 under coach Red Hickey (49-0 at the Lions, 35-0 vs. the Rams) and in 1974 under coach Dick Nolan (34-0 at the Bears, 27-0 vs. the Falcons).”

Maiocco wrote about baseball legend Willie Mays visiting 49ers headquarters. Maiocco: “Baseball was the topic of the day because of a visitor scheduled to attend 49ers practice later in the day: Hall of Famer and sporting icon Willie Mays, generally considered the greatest living ballplayer.”

Maiocco also examined the depth of the 49ers at their skill positions. Maiocco: “If you’re 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, all of this is not a nice problem to have. Why? Because he does not consider it a problem at all.”

Inman wrote about Patrick Willis being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Inman: “Willis is also the face of a defense that ranks third in yards allowed per game (277.3) and fifth against both the run (79.5 ypg) and pass (197.8). Willis’ only other player-of-the-week honor came last season when he produced 18 tackles and recovered a fumble in an Oct. 9 rout of Tampa Bay.”

49ers.com’s daily coverage included a look at Mays’ visit, Alex Smith’s impressive record since 2011 and comments from the Bills. We also posted press passes for Harbaugh, Smith and Donte Whitner.

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Big treat for the @49ers today at practice. Honored to meet Willie Mays #SFUnite http://t.co/5cyCueM6—
Jed York (@JedYork) October 04, 2012

Jed York and Jim Harbaugh meet with living legend Willie Mays.

Patrick Willis was singled out Wednesday morning as the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week.

However, it wasn’t just Willis who played a major role in the team’s 34-0 dismantling of the New York Jets.

According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, it was a team-wide effort that enabled San Francisco to improve to 3-1 on the season. Barrows offered his thoughts on the performance in a recent film study review.

“For the first time this season, every 49er who dressed for the game set foot in the game,” Barrows wrote. “And they just didn’t make token appearances. Everyone – from backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick to undrafted rookie Garrett Celek to dime cornerback Perrish Cox - played a role Sunday. Twelve different 49ers either had a carry or a reception on offense, and it would have been 13 if fullback Will Tukuafu hadn’t been interfered with on a late goal-line play.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com also reviewed the film and broke down the offense’s performance in separate posts, including the team’s third-down execution.

Kevin Lynch of SFGate.com writes that Brandon Jacobs is ready to return to action.

Nate Stuhlbarg of CSNBayArea.com looks at Delanie Walker’s evolving role in the 49ers offense.

49ers.com looked at the bond among the team’s offensive linemen, Brandon Jacobs’ eagerness to play, and Andy Lee’s solid game in New York.

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This week's #WallpaperWednesday highlights the #49ers 34-0 shutout victory over the #NYJets. yfrog.com/nzx94ebj—
San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 03, 2012

Modern art.

Big Brandon Jacobs has been stuck on the sidelines this year as he tries to recover from a preseason injury, but the talented tailback is on the mend.

Jacobs spoke to reporters on Tuesday in the 49ers locker room and said that he’s feeling the best he’s felt since the regular season began. Jacobs practiced on a limited basis throughout last week’s trip in Youngstown, Ohio, but was inactive for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

“This is what I want to do,” Jacobs said. “I play ball for my career, this is my livelihood. Watching my team win and play – especially being part of a new organization, new team – I want to get out there and really be a part of it.”

Jacobs has watched as the 49ers have built a 3-1 record behind a new-look offense, a dominant defense and a special teams unit that has established itself as one of the league’s best yet again in 2012. But now Jacobs is hoping he’s ready to join the fray.

Before he suffered the injury in Week 2 of the preseason at Houston, Jacobs was used as a short-yardage specialist. The 6-foot-4, 264-pound option also broke off some explosive runs for big gains and proved he has plenty left in the tank.

“I’m ready to play,” Jacobs said. “It’s nothing now, it’s all gone now.”

Jacobs was still soaked in sweat as he spoke to the media shortly after working out on the practice fields behind team headquarters. The bruising rusher said he ran 60-yard sprints as hard as he could go without any major setbacks.

“There’s a little kinks I’ve got to run out but I feel good,” Jacobs said. “I feel good about my explosiveness, I’ve got fresh legs.”

It’s not just Jacobs who’s looking forward to a future return from Jacobs. Fullback Bruce Miller said the entire offense is excited to see what Jacobs can bring to the huddle after his brief but impressive display in the preseason.

“Just the faith that he’ll get the tough yards,” Miller said. “When it gets to short-yardage situations they kind of pack the box and to know that he’ll be able to fall forward and get those extra yards that we need on third-down conversions will be a big help.”

But first Jacobs has to prove to the coaching and training staffs that he’s capable of a gameday workload. Once he does step on the field, Jacobs is eager to feel some contact again.

“I definitely want to go out and get hit,” Jacobs said. “Because once you get that first, nice hit, you feel like you’re ready to go.”

The injury has been particularly frustrating to Jacobs, as he’s been a durable player throughout his eight-year career. But he’s excited to get to work with his teammates as they prepare for Sunday’s home matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

“That’s the way the sport goes,” Jacobs said. “I can’t control it, you can’t control it, nobody else can control it. You just got to there and take care of yourself the best way you can.”

The 49ers were back on the field Wednesday afternoon as they took over Stambaugh Stadium at Youngstown State University. Perhaps the biggest news of the day was the regular season practice debut of running back Brandon Jacobs, who has returned to the field on a limited basis for the first time since being injured in Week 3 of the preseason.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee observed the beginning of Wednesday’s practice session and said Jacobs looked like he was moving well.

“If Jacobs is fully healthy Sunday, he likely would be worked into games as a short-yardage runner,” Barrows wrote. “Through three games, only two running backs – Gore and Kendall Hunter – have carried the ball for the 49ers. Gore has 45 carries for 264 yards, and Hunter has 18 carries for 64 yards.”

Today’s Morning Tailgate also features headlines about the rain-soaked practice, referees, Rex Ryan, Darrelle Revis and more.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com relays the comments of Jets Coach Rex Ryan about Vernon and Anthony Davis. Maiocco: “The 49ers traded up two spots in the 2010 NFL draft to select Anthony Davis at No. 11 overall. In his third season, Davis has gotten off to a good start. But Ryan is the first person to single him out for such lavish praise.”

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group shares the humorous story of Ryan confusing Alex Smith for Aaron Rodgers at an awards banquet earlier this year. Inman: “But confusing people is something Ryan has learned to live with. His brother, Rob, is the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Ryan’s advice to Smith: be prepared for further identity mixups.”

Michelle Smith of ESPNW.com spoke to rookie tight end Garrett Celek about the support of his older brother, Eagles tight end Brent Celek. Smith: “But Celek thought the 49ers — with Harbaugh’s penchant for using tight ends in his power offense — would be the best fit. All along, big brother Brent, in his sixth season with the Eagles, has been giving Garrett advice.”

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle describes the security measures the 49ers have used during their unique stay in Ohio. Branch: “On Wednesday, the team held its morning walkthrough practice in a parking lot behind the hotel, the same locale that they held walkthroughs last year. On Wednesday, however, four team buses were fanned out across the perimeter of the parking lot to discourage interested onlookers (including members of the Jets’ espionage team?)”

The Associated Press wrapped up the 49ers’ first day practicing in rainy Youngstown. AP: “Now in his second season and after a trip to the NFC championship game, Harbaugh doesn’t want distractions derailing the same atmosphere from developing. It was business as usual, with an extra helping of hard work.”

Mike Sando of ESPN.com examines the impact of injured Jets All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis. Sando: “The injury means Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and the 49ers’ other receivers won’t have to worry about getting stranded on “Revis Island” this week.”

Branch also examined the 49ers passing game and noted Smith has thrown most of his passes to short or intermediate receivers. Branch: “Of Smith’s 92 pass attempts, four have traveled 20 yards or more downfield and tight end Vernon Davis was targeted with the other three deep balls.”

Inman shared the thoughts of the 49ers players, who are eager to welcome back the veteran NFL referees this weekend. Inman: “(Donte) Whitner agreed that the ‘tipping point’ in the NFL’s lockout of officials surely came Monday night, when the Seattle Seahawks were awarded a controversial winning touchdown on the final play against the Green Bay Packers.”

Barrows notes the current 49ers who are represented at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Barrows: “Every time a player sets a record, the Hall asks for the ball. The one that Jerry Rice caught to set the NFL receptions record, for instance, is in one of the hundreds of boxes being housed in Canton.”

49ers.com also provided a complete roundup of the day’s action (story/photos) and video of Jim Harbaugh’s press conference. Mario Manningham’s return to his hometown area was also featured along with the comments of Ryan and Jets QB Mark Sanchez.

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Referee's back referee's back referee's back. Never thought I'd be happy to say that. (Until they call a penalty on me)—
jonathan goodwin (@jgoody59) September 26, 2012

Looks like Jonathan Goodwin is happy to see the regular NFL refs.

Alex Smith has led the 49ers to a 15-3 regular season record since Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach before the 2011 campaign. Much of Smith’s success has been attributed to Harbaugh, who has helped the 49ers quarterback become one of the league’s most efficient players under center.

Chase Stuart of FootballPerspective.com analyzed advanced statistics and metrics of Smith’s season along with other NFL quarterbacks of the past and concluded that Harbaugh had similar years during his NFL playing career. Stuart specifically looks at Smith’s low interception rate among other things, noting, “Since Harbaugh came to town, Smith has a 93.6 passer rating, the 7th best mark of any quarterback over that time frame.”

Today’s Morning Tailgate also features a look back to yesterday’s show of 49ers support from the San Francisco Giants and more.

Jaymee Sire of Comcast Sports Net Bay Area spoke to Giants relief pitcher Sergio Romo about his Aldon Smith jersey and his love for the 49ers. Romo: “I know it’s not an Alex Smith jersey, but Aldon, you’re the man as well. Either way, got to show support. They love us and we love them. I’ll tell you what, we back you guys up all the way.”

Mike Sando of ESPN.com breaks down the 11-85 connection between Alex Smith and tight end Vernon Davis. Sando: “Davis has caught 29 of Smith’s 72 career scoring passes. The percentage (40.3) is the highest for any NFL tandem since 2001 (minimum 20 TD connections).”

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle discusses Alex Smith’s impressive stretch of throwing passes without an interception and where it ranks historically. Branch: “The 49ers quarterback still needs 143 passes without a pick to break Tom Brady’s all-time record and 62 passes to surpass Rich Gannon and break into the top five.”

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee analyzes the benefits of the 49ers staying in Ohio for a week in between games. Barrows: “There’s something to be said for the camaraderie that builds when a team stays at the same hotel, eats at the same restaurant, has beers at the same bar over a week, players said. There’s also a circadian advantage to this approach in that the longer the players stay in the central (Minnesota) and then eastern (Ohio and New York) time zones, the more adjusted they’ll be to the kickoff against the Jets.”

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com also discussed the week-long trip to the Midwest. Maiocco: “The 49ers’ ties to Ohio date back to 1977 when Youngstown shopping mall developer Edward DeBartolo Sr. purchased the 49ers and put his son, Edward Jr., in charge of the day-to-day operations. Denise DeBartolo York was an equal co-owner, though she remained far from the spotlight until she and her husband, John York, took control of the 49ers in 2000.”

Maiocco also looked at Kyle Williams’ role on the 49ers as the team’s top slot receiver. Maiocco: “Williams has been on the field, along with Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham, whenever the 49ers go with three wide receivers. He is considered the team’s best fit as a slot receiver.”

Dave Feldman of Comcast Sports Net Bay Area spoke to 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs as he tries to return from his preseason injury. Jacobs: “I’m living and I’m on a good football team. Just trying to get healthy before I go out there. … I’m just taking it day-by-day.”

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group lists 10 things to take note of this weekend when the 49ers travel to Minnesota. Inman: “The 49ers lead the all-time series against the Vikings 22-21-1. Neither team has posted a shutout, and the Vikings have never been shut out in 246 all-time games inside Mall of America Field.”

Branch looks at the stingy 49ers run defense. Branch: “In season-opening games against the pass-first Packers and Lions, the 49ers mostly played either dime (six defensive backs) or nickel (five) defense, which left them at least a man short up front. Still, they rank sixth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (63.5) and eighth in yards per carry (3.2).”

Barrows spoke to newly-signed linebacker Eric Bakhtiari about his odyssey through the NFL. Barrows: “Bakhtiari said no one ever had told him he was good enough to play in the NFL until Jim Harbaugh said so when Bakhtiari was a freshman at the University of San Diego and Harbaugh was his coach.”

Barrows also examined the NFC West, which went a collective 4-0 last week. “The NFC West went 4-0 Sunday for only the second time in the past decade and is the only division with two teams – the 49ers and Cardinals – with 2-0 records. What’s more, the one-time stripling has been beating up on the NFL’s pretty-boy franchises.”

49ers.com’s daily coverage included press conferences from Dashon Goldson, Vic Fangio and Greg Roman. We also looked at Goldson’s rise to become one of the NFL’s best defensive backs, the constant improvement of the offense and Alex Smith’s response to the Giants’ support.

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How cool is it to see the @SFGiants & @49ers have each other's back? Thx @BrianWilson38, Bruce Bochy, & Giants crew.—
Jed York (@JedYork) September 21, 2012

#SFUnite

The San Francisco 49ers have moved on from a 27-19 win over the Detroit Lions to prepare for another NFC North opponent, the Minnesota Vikings.

After two wins over 2011 playoff teams to start the year, the 49ers are one of six undefeated teams left in the NFL. San Francisco (2-0) sits atop the NFC West along with the undefeated Arizona Cardinals.

The 49ers, however, stand alone in other rankings, most notably NFL power rankings posted from various sports websites. ESPN and NFL.com both have the 49ers as the No. 1 team in the NFL through two weeks.

ESPN’s Sports Nation also lets you rank the NFL teams all yourself.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looks at the future roles for veterans on the 49ers offense. Maiooco: “Brandon Jacobs and Ted Ginn have not played in the 49ers’ first two games of the season. And Randy Moss has played fewer than one-third of the team’s offensive snaps. That could change in future weeks, and coach Jim Harbaugh likes the mystery to build.”

Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee looks at the extraordinary people who’ve spoken to the 49ers in the Jim Harbaugh era. Barrows: “Jim Harbaugh has invited colonels and generals andNavy SEALs to talk in front of his team. He had actors Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn on the sideline during Sunday’s game and in the locker room afterward. But two of the figures he’d really like to have on the premises are Willie Mays and Muhammad Ali.”

Barrows also offers his game film evaluation form the 49ers-Lions game. Barrows on Joe Staley:  “The 49ers left tackle bounced back with a vengeance against the Lions. Staley got into the second level of the Lions defense all game long and he was one of several linemen with big blocks on Frank Gore’s standing up one-yard touchdown run.”

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Focus on the task at hand..No outside distractions #LifeOfAWorkaholic #STUT#Blessed—
Tarell Brown25 (@RealTB25) September 18, 2012

Cornerback Tarell Brown offers a glimpse into the team’s Week 3 mindset.

The San Francisco 49ers enter Sunday night’s home opener relatively healthy. Two players, wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and running back Brandon Jacobs, were officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Lions.

Both players were inactive in the team’s 30-22 win over the Green Bay Packers.

Harbaugh, however, said Jacobs is “getting close” to returning to action.

“Might have a shot this week,” Harbaugh said on Friday, pointing out it’ll be a game-time decision to activate Jacobs on the 46-man active gameday roster.

Detroit, on the other hand, officially listed cornerback Dwight Bentley out for Sunday. Furthermore, the Lions will be tested in the secondary with safety Louis Delmas and cornerback Chris Houston both listed as doubtful.

If the 49ers are to rely on Kyle Williams as the primary punt returner, Harbaugh is comfortable with such a scenario. The same can be said for Williams who returned a punt 20 yards last week to help set up David Akers’ 63-yard, NFL-record tying longest kick.

“Kyle is very good and we’d like to see him keep improving,” the 49ers coach said.

Harbaugh was also outspoken about his new right guard, converted tackle Alex Boone.

“I thought he did well with the line, that’s a collective group effort,” Harbaugh said before adding, “They don’t get a lot of credit, but this line is coming.”

Boone, himself, met with the media to discuss his challenging matchup against Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Boone is well-aware of Suh’s burst of the ball, but was also impressed with the strength Suh demonstrated when making a one-armed tackle of St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson.

“It’s to be a challenge – I look forward to it,” Boone said.