49ers wary of Bills’ versatility, playmakers on offense

The San Francisco 49ers on Sunday face another passing offense and another mobile quarterback, two elements that have given them problems this year.

Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown 12 touchdowns this season, the most in the league through four weeks, and those 12 have come in just 72 completions. He is also a run threat and is somewhat similar in style to Minnesota's Christian Ponder, the only quarterback to beat the 49ers this year.

"He's carried the ball 15 times in these first four games and none of them are called quarterback runs," 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "It's him scrambling. He'll buy time in the pocket. He'll create some of the same problems that Ponder created in Minnesota with the scrambling ability."

Ponder gave his receivers enough time to work open with his mobility. The 49ers were much better sticking to receivers against the New York Jets last Sunday, but the Bills represent a more talented group, particularly with native San Franciscan wide receiver Stevie Johnson.

"I have never played (at Candlestick Park), but I have been there two times," Johnson said. "I think it is going to be something cool just for when I come out onto the field, but after that it is all done."

While Buffalo likes its three-receiver packages, they like to run out of that formation with the talented duo of Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller.

"These guys are averaging 29 points a game," Fangio said. "And the most they've scored, I think, was 35. So, every game they've been 24, 28, 35, 28. Their average, it's right there. It's not like they had one big game that inflated their stats. They're averaging 29 a game and there's no accident why they're getting it. They've got good skill players, including the quarterback."

--NT Isaac Sopoaga was limited in practice Thursday with knee and ankle sprains. He missed the Jets game with those injuries.

--LB NaVorro Bowman was limited Thursday with a shoulder injury. He has started all four games.

--P Andy Lee has had a thumb injury for three games, but hasn't missed a start.

--CB Carlos Rogers (ankle) was limited in practice the past two days. He hasn't missed a start.

--RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday. He has yet to play a game this season.