Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Arizona: The Cardinals' depth at nose tackle is improving. Backup Alan Branch could return this week. Starter Gabe Watson might need more time. Bryan Robinson gets the start. The 49ers moved him out of the middle in the running game last week.
San Francisco: The 49ers are mostly healthy. Center Eric Heitmann is dealing with a shoulder problem. He returned to practice Friday. Right guard Tony Wragge was effective moving to center last week. David Baas stepped in at guard. Heitmann's health matters more this week because Seattle's Rocky Bernard has excellent quickness for an interior defensive lineman, and Brandon Mebane is stout against the run.
St. Louis: The Rams have problems on both lines. Left guard Jacob Bell could miss a few games while recovering from a hamstring injury. Backup guards Mark Setterstrom and Brandon Gorin are already on injured reserve. Backup right tackle Adam Goldberg will start at left guard for the Rams. On defense, the Rams are without Leonard Little, their best pass rusher. Injuries have also depleted the receiver position, which wasn't deep to begin with.
Seattle: The Seahawks' outlook at receiver is beyond bleak. Seattle lacks the personnel to exploit the 49ers' loss of cornerback Donald Strickland to injury. Depth at running back is weaker without Maurice Morris. The offensive line is searching for continuity while adding Floyd Womack at right guard. Marcus Trufant's hand injury could affect his ability to intercept passes.
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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.