Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Arizona: Nose tackles Gabe Watson and Alan Branch missed practice today. Neither is cleared for the opener. Veteran Bryan Robinson gives the team insurance at the position. Rookie Kenny Iwebema would play the position in an emergency. The Niners' Eric Heitmann is the best center in the division. The Cardinals' injury situation at nose tackle could benefit him.
San Francisco: The 49ers are healthy, coach Mike Nolan told reporters today. Keep an eye on receiver Bryant Johnson. His hamstring was a problem during camp. Can he play a full game? Hamstring injuries tend to linger.St. Louis: Left tackle Orlando Pace is back from two injury-shortened seasons. An arm injury sidelined him late in training camp. Can he make it through a regular-season game? Without him, the line could be in trouble. Cornerback Fakhir Brown participated fully in practice today. The Rams need his shoulder to hold up. Brown is the team's top corner.
Seattle: The Seahawks could be without starting right tackle Sean Locklear, who suffered a knee injury during preseason. The team has enough confidence in backup Ray Willis to give Locklear the time he needs to make a more complete recovery. Willis appears good enough to start. The receiver injuries are old news. Deion Branch is closer to playing than Bobby Engram, but he probably won't be effective right away if he plays. Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu should be OK.
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Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.