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The most significant scandals in NFL history affected individuals and organizations alike. The nature of the allegations, the prominence of the individuals involved, the punishment meted out and the overall impact led us to single out the following five, realizing there were others worth strong consideration.

1. Michael Vick to prison. Involvement in a dogfighting ring brought down one of the NFL's highest-profile, most dynamic quarterbacks in his prime. Vick was released and sent to prison, sending the Atlanta Falcons into turmoil. Vick owed nearly $20 million when he filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and the Falcons had to rebuild their franchise.

2. Saints bounties. Offering cash payments for injuries inflicted on opponents brought down the wrath from commissioner Roger Goodell: Saints coach Sean Payton was suspended for one year, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely, general manager Mickey Loomis was suspended for eight regular-season games, and the team was fined $500,000 and lost two second-round draft picks (one each in 2012 and '13) for their participation in a bounty program.

3. Spygate allegations. Cheating claims levied against the New England Patriots threatened to tarnish the legacy of a flagship franchise at the peak of its powers. Goodell determined the Patriots acted against league rules by videotaping opponents' hand signals. The NFL levied $750,000 in fines and revoked the Patriots' first-round choice in 2008.

4. Hornung/Karras gambling. The NFL suspended Paul Hornung and Alex Karras for the 1963 season after both admitted to betting on NFL games. Hornung and Karras were both Pro Bowl players and Hornung was one of the league's biggest stars playing for the NFL's most iconic team: the Green Bay Packers. Commissioner Pete Rozelle reinstated both players in 1964, and Hornung wound up in the Hall of Fame.

Art Schlichter's one-year ban two decades later also deserves mention among player gambling scandals, but his standing in the league wasn't as strong at the time.

5. Eddie DeBartolo Jr. suspended. The San Francisco 49ers' former owner remains a beloved figure in team lore. He was a finalist for the Hall of Fame this year. But his 1998 felony conviction for failing to report extortion relating to a Louisiana casino project produced a $1 million fine and a one-year NFL suspension. DeBartolo wound up selling the 49ers, precipitating a decade of futility for the organization.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Thoughts and observations after watching the 49ers' exhibition game against the Cowboys on Saturday night:

• Time to start scheming. The 49ers' pass rushers rarely seem to win one-on-one battles. Parys Haralson flashes occasionally, as when he forced Tony Romo into an interception Saturday night. Justin Smith's relentlessness pays off at times. But coach Mike Singletary was right during a conference call Sunday when he said the 49ers would have to rely on scheme to generate a strong pass rush. I charted Manny Lawson during the Cowboys' opening nine-play drive. Lawson made no impact as a rusher on seven pass plays. On the run plays, the Cowboys first blocked him successfully with a tight end, then pancaked him with a fullback.
• Love that run game. Lawson looked pretty good in pass-rush drills when I visited 49ers training camp. He was working against offensive linemen built for run blocking, not prolonged pass protection. The 49ers will have a hard-nosed running game this season. They will have the identity Singletary wanted to create. For example, that was Delanie Walker, known as a receiving tight end, lining up at fullback in the offset-I and throwing himself at Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer. Running the ball is a mentality. The 49ers have it.
• Need more from the QB. The 49ers look like a team that practices running the ball about 75 percent of the time. They look like a team that didn't commit to a starting quarterback until last week. The first-team offense ran the ball pretty well against the Cowboys, but the passing game needs work. "First and foremost," Singletary said Sunday, "it starts with the quarterback situation." Shaun Hill missed practice time last week. Singletary also pointed to injuries at left guard and right tackle. The 49ers will not beat good teams without improvement through the air.
  
• Rachal is still learning. Cowboys defensive linemen Jay Ratliff and Marcus Spears made plays against 49ers right guard Chilo Rachal. Ratliff beat him off the line cleanly for a sack. Spears sidestepped Rachal to foil a running play, causing Rachal to whiff. Working against such a talented defensive front can only be good for Rachal. It's easy to forget Rachal has started only six regular-season games.
• Picking Battle. Hill kept looking for veteran receiver Arnaz Battle, the player he recently singled out as having an outstanding camp. Battle suffered a shoulder contusion during the game. It was unclear if he would miss time. Josh Morgan remains the starter, but Battle could figure into the mix more prominently than once expected.
• Welcoming contact. Cornerback Shawntae Spencer, coming back from knee surgery last season, didn't shy from contact. He lowered his shoulder and drove his body into Marion Barber on one play. That seemed like a good sign for him.
  
• 49ers know running backs. From Frank Gore to Glen Coffee to undrafted rookie Kory Sheets, the 49ers have a knack for finding promising runners. Sheets flashed his athleticism with an over-the-top touchdown leap at the goal line.
• Rookie QB showed savvy. Nate Davis showed patience in waiting for J.J. Finley to come open in the red zone, he showed touch on screen passes and he led the 49ers' winning drive late in the game. What more could a team expect from a fifth-round rookie?

The 49ers have made their cuts on the roster reduction to 75 players. Their final exhibition game is Friday at San Diego.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wonders if Jason Smith has moved closer to the Rams' starting lineup. With right guard Richie Incognito resting a sprained knee, coaches moved right tackle Adam Goldberg into Incognito's spot, clearing the way for Smith to play right tackle with the first-team unit in practice. Coats also provides injury updates.

Also from Coats: Rams receiver Laurent Robinson keeps making strides. Also, cornerback Jonathan Wade is getting some first-team reps at Tye Hill's expense.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams guard Jacob Bell is trying to make up lost ground following a concussion. Bell never saw what hit him against the Jets two weeks ago. He stayed in the game one more play, but teammates had to tell him which player to block. Bell: "And I'm practically blocking him with my eyes closed. They probably should've left me in there and seen what happened."

Jim Corbett of USA Today revisits Larry Fitzgerald's ambitions offseason. Corbett: "The only thing more impressive than Fitzgerald's remarkable postseason ascent was his ambitious offseason agenda. There's little concern about a post-Super Bowl letdown for the sixth-year wideout, who reinvented himself as a respected league-wide leader."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals can clear two roster spots by placing Cody Brown and Pago Togafau on injured reserve. The team would then need to clear three roster spots to comply with the 75-man limit.

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle sees little value in exhibition results, counter to 49ers coach Mike Singletary's stated position.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle breaks out positive aspects of the 49ers' performances while posting a 3-0 record during the exhibition season. The team has succeeded in forcing turnovers.

Also from Crumpacker: 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan says he expects first-round choice Michael Crabtree to sign at some point.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Josh Morgan's hold on a starting job at receiver could be tenuous. Singletary: "He's still learning how to be a pro. At some point, the light's going to go on and he's going to take off." The 49ers' passing game hasn't made anyone but Arnaz Battle look good recently. Remember Jason Hill?

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Andre Smith's signing in Cincinnati doesn't necessarily mean the 49ers are closer to signing Crabtree, the last unsigned draft choice. Maiocco: "The sides are no closer in principle, but ... it is another day closer to the beginning of the regular season. That's significant because a player without a contract starts to feel the pinch on his wallet once the regular season begins. Players get 1/17th of their base salaries every week during the regular season. So, Crabtree will only begin losing money when he's not collecting game checks."

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News lists players who helped and hurt their standing in the 49ers' game against the Cowboys.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times takes a closer look at the Seahawks following their exhibition game at Kansas City. He notes: "Fullback Justin Griffith plays like the bushwhacking trailblazer the running game needs. Through one quarter Saturday, Julius Jones had carried five times for 15 yards behind starting fullback Owen Schmitt. Griffith entered in the second quarter, and Jones popped consecutive 8-yard runs, which isn't mind-blowing but certainly constituted improvement."

John Morgan of Field Gulls examines the interception Matt Hasselbeck threw early in the game against the Chiefs. Morgan: "Hasselbeck either didn't see (Mike) Vrabel or underestimated him."

Brian McIntyre of NorthwestFootball.net provides updated snap counts and information on personnel groupings for the Seahawks during the exhibition season.

Mike Salk of 710ESPN Seattle wants to see more from the Seahawks' Lofa Tatupu and Patrick Kerney. It's tough to know how to analyze these exhibition games. Some veteran players seem to pick their spots. I've noticed it when watching other teams in the NFC West as well. Singletary said he thought Nate Clements lost focus at times. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The 49ers have released receiver Mark Bradford, receiver Chris Francies, kicker Alex Romero, cornerback Carlos Thomas and cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels. The team announced the cuts.

Much bigger decisions loom when the team trims to 53 players by Sept. 5.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Rookie quarterback Nate Davis, rookie running back Kory Sheets, and backup receiver Micheal Spurlock likely are not going to help the 49ers in meaningful ways this season. They did help the 49ers during their exhibition game Saturday night.

Davis rallied the 49ers in the second half. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 132 yards. He found Spurlock for a 35-yard gain, setting up Sheets' winning touchdown run.

The game was not televised in my area and I will not offer observations until I watch the NFL Network replay Sunday. But I do think we can say this: The first-team offense was not productive, starting with quarterback Shaun Hill.

As Hill said during the game, according to the 49ers: "I would have liked for it to have gone a bit smoother than it did. I don't know. You can't tell a whole lot right now. I just wish we could have put a few more points on the board."

Hill completed 9 of 17 passes for 79 yards, or 4.6 yards per attempt. I know offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has said running back Frank Gore is the most important member of the offense, but teams generally must throw the ball efficiently to win meaningful games. Hill did miss practice time during the week after experiencing back soreness. That did not help.

More broadly, how much evidence have we seen suggesting the 49ers are developing momentum in their passing game this summer?

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Among the things I'll want to watch Saturday night when the 49ers face the Cowboys in their third exhibition game:

• Barry Sims at right tackle. He struggled there last season and seemed to be nearing the end after 10 years in the league and 127 regular-season starts. Can the 34-year-old Sims project as more than a stopgap player? Rookie Alex Boone figures to get extensive work off the bench, a good opportunity for him to gain experience.
  
• The collective pass rush. I've singled out Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson as players to watch previously during preseason. In this game, I want to chart how many times pressure affects the Cowboys' passing game. Tony Romo is better than most at keeping his eyes downfield when he scrambles, so pressure might not affect him always.
• Shawntae Spencer. The 2004 second-round choice is pushing Dre Bly and Tarell Brown for the starting job at right cornerback.
  
• Frank and Beans. Frank Gore isn't getting much work during these games, but Glen Coffee leads the NFL in rushing during preseason. Both are fun to watch. Not to worry, Matt Barrows. Let the record show you were first to secure naming rights for the 49ers' 1-2 running punch.
• Damon Huard and Nate Davis. The 49ers could always consider keeping four quarterbacks, but three is the preferred number. Huard is an experienced backup with a 15-12 record as a starter. Davis is a project and a player the 49ers would like to develop. Which one should the 49ers keep?
• Vernon Davis. Can the 49ers afford to let him release downfield as a receiver given the situation at right tackle? The offense they ran last season would not allow it because the quarterback took deeper drops and receivers needed more time to work downfield.

NFL Network is replaying this game Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

William writes via Facebook: Jon Runyan, baby. Give that man a call, Niners.

Mike Sando: Runyan has started every game for the last 12 seasons, all with Philadelphia. He does remain unsigned. He is 6-foot-7, 330 pounds and 35 years old. If the 49ers were willing to take a chance on Marvel Smith, whose retirement the 49ers have confirmed, why not consider a far more durable player such as Runyan?

Runyan is coming off microfracture knee surgery seven months ago. He received medical clearance to play Monday. The Eagles could have interest in re-signing him. Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News has the details.

Runyan would presumably prefer remaining in Philadelphia. He would presumably want to start. The 49ers have been happy with Adam Snyder at right tackle. Still, landing a player with Runyan's credentials would certainly help their depth up front. Runyan's mentality would also fit with the 49ers.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Marvel Smith's expected retirement leaves the 49ers' offensive line worse off than it was when last season ended. Maiocco: "It is believed that the 49ers are holding out hope Smith will reconsider his decision and still be able to fill a role as a backup at both offensive tackle positions." The 49ers should be OK if Adam Snyder plays a full season. They would be in trouble if Barry Sims opened the regular season as a starter. With Sims starting Saturday night, the 49ers might need Vernon Davis to help protect.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis grew up a Cowboys fan in a big way.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the first half was an "embarrassment" for the Cardinals against Green Bay. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "Guys came in here and didn't really care about the game. Green Bay came in here on a mission, and that was to prove they were a good football team. They said publicly they thought this would be a good mark for them, because they thought we were a good football team, but we weren't a very good football team tonight."

Also from Somers: Beanie Wells' performance provided a rare bright spot for the Cardinals.

More from Somers: While Whisenhunt was close to seething, the Packers felt great about their performance. Somers: "After getting four sacks last week, the starting defense failed to get to Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. He had too much time to throw, completing 14 of 19 for 258 yards and three touchdowns. In one half."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Whisenhunt was "extremely disappointed" in his team's performance. Urban: "The Cards' starting defense, which hadn't allowed a point, was run over in the first half, allowing a stunning 357 yards."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune offers keys for the Seahawks heading into their game against the Chiefs. A little more from the running game would help.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times profiles Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Said Monte Kiffin: "I knew he was going to be a coordinator, and someday a head coach. With some people, you can just feel it. He's outstanding."

Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com says the team expects its zone-blocking scheme to hit stride after six or seven games. Offensive cooridnator Greg Knapp: "It's the same transition I went through in Atlanta and the same transition I went through in Oakland. It's not going to happen as fast and as much as it was talked about. It will take -- I don't know -- five, six, seven games into the season before the guys finally get comfortable with it."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com sizes up Michael Bennett's chances for earning a roster spot on the Seahawks' defensive line.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Kyle Boller's gritty play has earned respect from Rams teammates. The quarterback bounced up quickly following a crushing hit against the Bengals, then assured teammates the team was about to score. He was right. Guard Richie Incognito: "Oh, he's a tough kid. He popped right up. He got right back in the huddle and he kept going. It didn't even faze him. I would've taken a second to shake that bad boy off; he took it right on the chin."

Also from Thomas: a look at which players might earn spots on the Rams' 53-man roster. He places defensive tackle Hollis Thomas on the bubble.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Jason Smith is taking small steps toward the Rams' starting lineup. Smith: "I never look at my draft status or what (outside) people think. I feel that I'm progressing at a steady pace."

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Four injury updates that, for a change, will not make NFC West fans wince:

• Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals. The first-round choice was back at practice Monday after an ankle injury limited him or sidelined him entirely. Wells even looked "explosive and fast" during practice, coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
• Donnie Avery, WR, Rams. The Rams put their No. 1 receiver through individual drills at practice, an indication Avery is making progress in his recovery from a broken fourth metatarsal in his left foot. The bone has apparently healed enough for Avery to do some running and light cutting. The next step: How will Avery feel Tuesday?
  
• Ray McDonald, DE, 49ers. The team activated McDonald from the physically unable to perform list, adding depth to the defensive line.
• Marcus Trufant, CB, Seahawks. Coach Jim Mora expressed optimism Monday about Trufant's recovery from a back injury. Mora on KJR radio: "He is coming along pretty well. ... His rehab is ramped up this week." Will Trufant be ready for the opener? Mora: "I wouldn't rule it out."

The Rams are also hopeful Leonard Little's sprained knee was not a serious injury, although additional tests will say for sure.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The latest in our periodic spin around the NFC West radio dials:

49ers

KNBR680: Reporter Matt Barrows

Cardinals

ESPN Radio: Larry Fitzgerald

KTAR620: Reporter Kent Somers (Aug. 21)

Seahawks

710ESPN: Play-by-play man Steve Raible

KJR950: Radio analyst and Hall of Famer Warren Moon

KJR950: Coach Jim Mora

KJR950: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck

Rams

101ESPN: Reporter Jim Thomas.

As always, please leave links to additional audio in the comments section. I try to find it all.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

49ers defensive end Ray McDonald will join the team for practice Monday afternoon after passing a physical examination following offseason knee surgery. That means McDonald will not open the season on the physically unable to perform list, which would have forced him to miss six games.

McDonald's return comes as 2008 first-round choice Kentwan Balmer is showing signs of development, both as a defensive end and part-time nose tackle. The 49ers have not been counting on McDonald to be 100 percent from the start of the season. The faster McDonald gets to that level, the better depth the 49ers will enjoy up front.

Scouts Inc. on McDonald: McDonald is a better run defender than a pass-rusher, and he has good size and strength for the position. He has a tendency to rise up at times, limiting his use of leverage and ability to hold his ground at the line. He has good upper- and lower-body strength, along with good quickness to close and make plays in a short area. He does not possess a ton of speed, but he usually gives good effort to chase down plays in the flat or downfield when he is not engaged. As a pass-rusher, he has enough upfield quickness to work the edge, but he lacks the ideal speed and hand use to clear contact quickly.

For more on the 49ers, check out KNBR's interview with beat reporter Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, complete with "Eminence Front" bumper music from The Who.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Four injury situations to monitor early this week:

• Cody Brown, OLB, Cardinals: Arizona's second-round draft choice suffered a wrist injury in the second exhibition game. Brown's agent, Nate Haber, used his Twitter account to say Brown would miss his entire rookie season. Haber: "It appears to be a devastating, rare injury that will sideline him for his rookie season. He is staying strong in this tough time and will do everything he can to return stronger than before." The Cardinals hoped Brown's presence in the rotation would upgrade their pass rush.
• Adam Snyder, RT, 49ers. Snyder suffered injuries to his right knee and ankle during the second exhibition game. He was reportedly walking without a limp after the game. The 49ers expect to have MRI results Monday. Snyder has exceeded expectations this summer. Losing him for an extended period would set back the offensive line and force Marvel Smith into action.
• Jacob Bell, LG, Rams. Symptoms from a concussion suffered 10 days ago have not cleared, leaving Bell on the sideline until they do. The plan was for Bell to resume running this week, but those plans are on hold. "He still has some symptoms, so we're just going to kind of slow it down with him," coach Steve Spagnuolo said Sunday.
• Chris Spencer, C, Seahawks. The fifth-year center suffered an injury of unknown severity to his left quadriceps Saturday night. Spencer has played a full 16 games in two of the past three seasons, but injuries have periodically sidelined him during offseason practices and training camp. Max Unger or Steve Vallos could move into the lineup.

Earlier: Ten injuries to watch in the NFC West.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com thinks it's a good sign for the team that Kurt Warner sounds unconcerned about recent problems in the red zone. Urban: "Warner has never been one to shy away from voicing worries about issues so for him to say he felt as good in the second game as the first is a plus for the offense. You definitely get the sense, as a veteran offense, how much the key players just don't put much stock in these exhibitions."

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says Warner is proceeding as though rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling has already locked up a roster spot. Warner: "Obviously, he was very impressive and having a guy like that is something that's really going to help us. I look at him a lot like J.J. [Arrington] was for us last year. He was a game-changer and made a lot of big plays for us in critical situations. He's kind of a scat-back guy and LaRod can be that same guy who can give us a spark and make a big play every time he touches the ball. I think we'll see the same thing once we implement him into our offense a little bit more."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams set aside a couple first-team practice snaps at both tackle spots for rookie Jason Smith. On the injury front: RB Kenneth Darby sat out with what is believed to be a slight knee sprain.

Also from Coats: Leonard Little has fresh legs, while Adam Carriker participated in individual drills for the first time since suffering an ankle injury.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams players, notably Oshiomogho Atogwe, think the defense will be improved this season, despite struggles in the most recent exhibition game. I was looking at the Rams' schedule Sunday and trying to find five or more victories. They need to win some division games.

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says the Rams will adjust their practice schedule now that training camp is over. Wagoner: "Hard work has certainly been the calling card of Camp [Steve] Spagnuolo. Beyond the hitting and tackling drills, the Rams had 14 two-a-day practices with at least 12 of those full padded practices that included live drills."

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle says Glen Coffee's emergence makes it easier for the 49ers to forget about another rookie, Michael Crabtree. This is what often happens when non-quarterbacks fail to sign in time for camp. After a while, everyone forgets about them.

49ers linebacker Scott McKillop updates his team-sanctioned blog, noting that Joe Staley and David Baas tried to pull a phone prank on tight end Bear Pascoe.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle quotes 49ers coach Mike Singletary as saying he needs longer than most coaches to make decisions such as the one his team faces at quarterback. Shaun Hill or Alex Smith? Singletary: "Got to look at some more film. It takes me a little longer than other coaches. Attention to detail is key. That's the thing I'm always looking at. That's why it takes me longer."

Kevin Lynch of Niner Insider says the 49ers' receivers are not getting open. Lynch: "Over two games, Smith and Hill have completed one pass to a receiver that traveled over 10 yards in the air and that was Smith to Josh Morgan for a 14-yarder against the Broncos on a ball that should have been intercepted. While the receivers have potential, they're not getting open, and that includes the two days of practices against the Raiders."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the following young players stood out to Singletary against the Raiders: Reggie Smith, Scott McKillop, Carlos Thomas, Glen Coffee, Kory Sheets, Nate Davis and Chilo Rachal. 

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says neither 49ers quarterback has made much of a case for the starting job. Brown: "After three minicamps, four organized team activities, three weeks of training camp and two exhibition games, the 49ers' quarterback competition remains unsettled."

Also from Brown: He thinks the 49ers need to end the drama by naming Hill their starter.

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says Seahawks linebacker Will Herring impressed against the Broncos on Saturday night. Herring appears stronger and more decisive than in the past.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times looks at the good, bad and ugly from the Seahawks' most recent exhibition game. Three projected starters on the offensive line are out. Chris Spencer became the third. Walter Jones is already out and Mike Wahle had to retire.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com calls the Seahawks' Deon Butler a receiver who is fast, not a fast guy trying to play receiver.

John Morgan of Field Gulls didn't like what he saw from Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu during an encounter with Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The 49ers still do not have a starting quarterback after two exhibition games.

Coach Mike Singletary said he needs to "look at some more film" before making the decision. While neither Alex Smith nor Shaun Hill has made a strong statement this summer, Hill appears to be the logical choice at this point.

And with Smith suffering a thumb injury making a tackle Saturday night -- X-rays were negative and Smith's status is day to day -- it's tough to fathom how he could win the job.

Put another way: The 49ers could give him the job, but could he really win it?

Smith has made a stronger run for the job this summer than he did when shoulder injuries slowed and finally sidelined him during the 2008 preseason. The fifth-year pro is finally healthy, except for the thumb, but he simply hasn't overtaken Hill.

Smith has completed 8 of 16 passes for 63 yards during the exhibition season. He has one touchdown, one interception and a 54.9 rating. Hill has attempted only nine passes, completing five. The staff is clearly giving Smith every chance to win the job.

Veteran Damon Huard has been the 49ers' most efficient quarterback, albeit playing with -- and against -- backups. He has completed 7 of 9 passes for 98 yards, one touchdown and a 149.1 rating. Only Smith and Hill are competing for the No. 1 job.

On the injury front, the team does not yet know the extent of tackle Adam Snyder's knee and ankle injuries.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury-News says Glen Coffee's strong running performances this summer will not necessarily affect Frank Gore's playing time. Brown: "[Coach Mike] Singletary, though impressed by the rookie, has no appetite for a running backs controversy. He said that Coffee is not necessarily earning a bigger share of the workload for 2009 and that the kid's role remains the same -- to give Gore a rest on occasion."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers learned little about their quarterback situation Saturday night. On the offensive line, Marvel Smith replaced Adam Snyder at right tackle after Snyder suffered ankle and knee injuries. Maiocco: "Snyder appeared to be walking without any problems after the game, but Singletary said he would undergo an MRI examination."

Also from Maiocco: A play-by-play account of the 49ers in the first half of their game against the Raiders. Micheal Spurlock served as the third receiver early in the game.

More from Maiocco: The 49ers' quarterback debate is a lot nastier than the relationship between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Smith played better than Hill against the Raiders, though his 4.2 passer rating wouldn't say so. Barrows on Smith: "He showed good energy and urgency early on, which hasn't always been the case with Smith. The truth is that he wasn't helped out by his receivers. Both Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan missed catchable balls, and Morgan's miscue led to an interception."

More from Barrows: A play-by-play account of the 49ers in the first half. Anyone seen team president Jed York?

David Fucillo of Niners Nation didn't see much pass rush from the 49ers, one of several points he makes in a position-by-position review of the team.

Scott Kegley of 49ers.com says running back Michael Robinson rushed for 83 yards against Oakland in the third quarter alone.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic offers thoughts and observations following the Cardinals' game against the Chargers. Somers: "Five trips in the red zone. No touchdowns. Coach Ken Whisenhunt wasn't happy about it but he's not going to panic. But it would be nice if the first team scored a touchdown this preseason. The Cardinals have scored only one TD in the preseason, on a pass from Tyler Palko to Onrea Jones at Pittsburgh."

Also from Somers: "It was a rough night for the Cardinals quarterbacks. Starter Kurt Warner wasn't sharp and had a pass intercepted at the Chargers goal line. For the second consecutive game, [Brian] St. Pierre did nothing to threaten Matt Leinart's status as Warner's backup, completing 6 of 15 for 79 yards and no touchdowns."

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals have become a hot commodity. Bickley: "This reborn franchise has done more than just join the party. These days, the Cardinals are the party."

Somers and Bob McManaman say the Cardinals' red zone offense has struggled.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Arizona's first-team defense played very well against the Chargers. Calais Campbell:  "We have the potential to be great. If we can just keep the team thing going, we will be fine." 

Also from Urban: LaRod Stephens-Howling might have earned a roster spot, but all was not good for the Cardinals against San Diego. Whisenhunt pointed to mitigating factors when asked about St. Pierre's performance at quarterback.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers a few Seahawks notes from their game against the Broncos. Deon Butler made a strong impression early as a receiver, but not as a kickoff returner.

John Morgan of Field Gulls singles out the following Seattle players as "winners" Saturday night: Nick Reed, Michael Bennett, Butler, Justin Forsett, Will Herring, Baraka Atkins, David Hawthorne, C.J. Wallace, Brandon Coutu and Jordan Babineaux.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks' first-team defense struggled against the Broncos, getting pushed up and down the field. I had the same feeling, but the Broncos' overall rushing numbers were weak. Coach Jim Mora: "Our second unit came in and did a heck of a job. We just have to be more focused, we just have to play with more enthusiasm, more energy, we have to tackle better, we have to bring our feet when we tackle." I also suspect the Broncos' offense did a little more game-planning than usual in an attempt to get quarterback Kyle Orton on track following a three-interception showing last week.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Matt Hasselbeck and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are starting to get in sync.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch profiles Rams left tackle Alex Barron. Says teammate Chris Long: "I got to see some great left tackles last year, and I really do feel like Alex is a rising star in the league at that spot. I feel like this is going to be a breakout year for him, where people start to realize this is a premier left tackle."

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at the unforgiving nature of NFL
preseasons. Said Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis: "In college, I made it a point of learning everyone's name and becoming familiar with all my teammates. I wanted to know where they were from, what their brothers or sisters names were, because in college, you started camp with 100 guys and you ended camp with 100 guys. But here, you look around and you realize that there will be a lot of empty lockers around here in a few weeks."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says falling behind 14-0 right away wasn't what the Rams wanted as they attempted to win back a skeptical fan base.