David Baas News

If someone asked me if the 49ers had a chance to make the playoffs with a 4-6 record, I probably find it nearly impossible for the team to be playing meaningful games into January.

I'm working on a story for tomorrow's paper about how a team that says it "hits people in the mouth" acted like a punching bag -- again -- after a 10-day rest.

Spikes missed last week's 30-24 loss at Green Bay and was replaced by Matt Wilhelm .

The questions are getting more persistent about going with the spread offense for 49ers coach Mike Singletary .

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee blames the 49ers' coaching staff for a poor game plan against the Packers.

Passing along a couple of injuries out of Green Bay, where the Packers hold a 23-3 lead over the 49ers at halftime.

2 all-time leading receiver, is now No. 2 on the 49ers ' depth chart. Mike Singletary announced last week that Josh Morgan will remain the starting receiver even when the future Hall of Famer recovers from an ankle injury.

The Raiders had a bye this week, and it was none too soon. Team members needed the break to catch their breath, have their cars detailed, buy new winter coats, and refill their Prozac prescriptions.

Desperation, must-win, however you want to look at this game, that's what it is.

When asked about the recent comments from tight end Vernon Davis, head coach Mike Singletary said he understood that Davis might have been frustrated at the team's struggle.

' season of excellence continues apace. Although he did not have a touchdown catch Sunday for the first time in three games, the tight end did achieve career highs in receptions and yards.

WRAGGE IN AT R Guard After another terrible return, 49ers take over at own 27: Smith to Davis for 12 yards and first down ... 1st and 10: Hope sacks Smith for eight-yard loss ... 2nd and 18: Smith hit as he throws; play called incomplete but Fisher challenging ... Jacob Ford got past Adam Snyder on the play ... Officials rule a fumble.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky The suggestion from mdcady80: Although Addai's throw to Wayne was indeed a game changer, the sack on Smith afterwards was much bigger.

Recently, the link between football, head injuries and lifelong brain damage has been a hot topic in the media and in NFL circles.

Will one small step for Adam Snyder mean one giant leap for the 49ers' offensive line? As the starting right tackle slides over to right guard for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, the team can only hope the shift is a seismic one.

You could question the 49ers' killer instinct after a win against Seattle and a narrow loss to Minnesota.

No one asked Jimmy Raye this specifically today. But the subtext of the offensive coordinator's Thursday media session was the two fourth-quarter possessions in Sunday's loss to the Vikings in which the 49ers ran the ball five out of six times for a grand total of minus-1 yards.

The 49ers are trying to find a way to get back on the winning track after letting one slip away in Minnesota last week.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando The 49ers' ill-fated decision to run the ball on third-and-6 while attempting to run out the clock against the Vikings in Week 3 invited criticism.

We've got the final injury report for the week and aside from the surprisingly large number of probable 49ers , nothing too out of the ordinary.