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| The 49ers defense wasn't great last season, but seems to be making some gains. Patrick Willis had an unbelievable rookie season and looks to be a fixture at linebacker for the 49ers for years to come. And the addition of end Justin Smith should help, giving the 49ers a decent pass rusher and end that can defend the run. Linebacker Manny Lawson was out most of last season, but he should be back and provides the 49ers with a top pass rusher in their 3-4 scheme. The secondary has some pretty good cover corners in Nate Clements and Walt Harris, but the depth behind them isn't great, which is a concern. The secondary could have some struggles. The special teams see their return game get a boost with the addition of return specialist Allen Rossum. He has return touchdowns in all but a season and has been a dependable return man for most of his career. | |
| Consider the 49ers a sleeper defense. They have a lot of young talent and an improved return game. San Fran will have some ups and downs, but good potential for sacks and interceptions. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (thumb) practiced in full Friday, Dec. 12, and he is expected to play in Week 15. He is listed as probable for the game. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (thumb) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 11, and he is expected to start in Week 15. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (thumb) returned to full practice Wednesday, Dec. 10, and he should be available for play in Week 15. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (thumb) missed the team's Week 14 game and his status for Week 15 is questionable. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (thumb) underwent surgery to insert one pin and two screws into his broken right thumb. Clements is officially listed as questionable for Week 14. Clements has the second-longest active streaks among NFL cornerbacks with 116 starts and 124 games played. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (thumb) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 4, and is questionable for Week 14. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (thumb) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3. He should be able to play in Week 14 but may wear a splint to guard from further injury. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (thumb) might wear a splint to guard his thumb from further injury, but he should be able to play in Week 14. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (ribs) participated in practice Friday, Oct. 24. He is listed as probable for the team's Week 8 game and will play. |
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| Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements (ribs) was limited during practice Thursday, Oct. 23. He is expected to play in the team's Week 8 game. |
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Injury Concern.