ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' offense is back together for the first time in weeks, led by Marc Bulger. Thomas: "Bulger is one of six Rams offensive starters who have missed at least one preseason game because of injury over the past month. But wide receiver Donnie Avery (foot), tackle Alex Barron (knee), guard Jacob Bell (concussion), guard Richie Incognito (knee) and fullback Mike Karney (ankle) all participated in practice Wednesday. Bulger and Karney were the only players in that group listed on the team's injury report."

Also from Thomas: The Rams reached an injury settlement with defensive lineman Eric Moore.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with new starting Rams cornerback Jonathan Wade, a new father who relishes his standing in life and football.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams face an uphill fight in carving out an identity in a crowded St. Louis sports landscape. He also thinks the team should relax restrictions on media access.

ESPN101 St. Louis announces Steve Spagnuolo's participation in a weekly radio show, scheduled for Monday nights.

Jeff Kolpack of In-Forum says Rams safety and former mechanical engineering student Craig Dahl has overcome quite a bit -- including two ACL surgeries -- in earning a roster spot.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee checks in with 49ers cornerback Dre Bly, who expects to play extensively in a nickel role after Shawntae Spencer beat him out for a starting job. Coach Mike Singletary suggested Spencer's familiarity with the defensive scheme worked in his favor.

Taylor Price of 49ers.com says the team is fired up for the opener and looking to "out-compete" the Cardinals, in the words of Vernon Davis.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat offers notes from the 49ers, including one about receiver Jason Hill not knowing his role.

Also from Maiocco: thoughts on Michael Crabtree's situation. Among them: "His value for the team continues to diminish with every practice he misses - every game against an NFC West opponent he misses. Crabtree's mentor, Deion Sanders, said Crabtree does not need the money. He said he believes the rookie is prepared to sit out his entire first season in the NFL. But if Crabtree doesn't need the money, then why does he continue to sit out in hopes of gaining a few extra million dollars that Sanders said he didn't need in the first place?"

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle says 49ers safety Michael Lewis isn't concerned about long-lasting effects from recent concussions.

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle wonders whether Crabtree wants to play for the 49ers.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says Singletary named tight end Davis a team captain. The hope, presumably, would be for this to be self-fulfilling. Davis resisted a chance to talk-trash with Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson.

Also from Brown: revisiting the 49ers' interest in Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner this offseason.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals and 49ers took different approaches to training camp. I sense Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt has heard enough of this angle and the implication he ran an easy camp.

Also from Somers: an injury update suggesting Anquan Boldin will play against the 49ers in the opener.

More from Somers: a look at how the injury situation at receiver could affect Warner and the Cardinals' offense.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says passing game coordinator Mike Miller feels confident in the Cardinals' ability to produce.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com offers notes from Seahawks practice, recognizing linebacker Lofa Tatupu as the player of the day.

Also from Farnsworth: Pro Football Weekly likes Aaron Curry -- a lot.

More from Farnsworth: why Justin Griffith will start at fullback for Seattle.

Percy Allen of the Seattle Times says the NFC West is becoming more run-oriented thanks to coaching changes.

John Morgan of Field Gulls likes what he sees when looking at a Seahawks pressure package against San Diego in preseason.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Seahawks coach Jim Mora is bucking trends -- again -- during his second time around as an NFL head coach.

Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times wonders where the Seahawks will fit in what appears to be a season of renewal for Seattle sports.