49ers' Jacobs may be ready for opener
When 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs injured his knee in Saturday's preseason game, it seemed that it might be a serious injury.
However, it now appears Jacobs may be ready for the regular-season opener. Jacobs underwent an MRI that revealed no significant knee damage. His injury was classified as a medial collateral strain.
Jacobs was on crutches on Monday, but running back LaMichael James, who injured his ankle on Saturday, was back at practice.
"We were real accurate with that after the ballgame," coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday. "That assessment was accurate in both cases.
"Brandon for the opener is possible. Again, we'll just how to see how the treatment goes, how the body responds."
Fortunately for the 49ers, they are very deep in the backfield. Harbaugh agreed that starter Frank Gore looks "spry" in training camp, and second-year man Kendall Hunter has benefitted from having a year of experience under his belt.
"Expectations are always really high for Frank," Harbaugh said. "We've got a lot of admiration for Frank and his abilities and respect for his game. He's looking good so far. So far so good. Like a young buck."
--Demarcus Dobbs continues to receive reps at defensive end and tight end, and the former undrafted rookie from Georgia contributes on special teams.
"He's coming along real nice," Harbaugh said. "I'd anticipate using him in the regular season (as a pass rusher)."
Harbaugh pointed out that Dobbs was physical on all three units in the team's second preseason game against Houston, and has the ability to be a real impact player on defense.
"He's got the license and the ability to be a very good pass rusher," Harbaugh said.
