SANTA CLARA – The 49ers want Alex Boone to be their top backup at offensive tackle for years to come.
The team on Thursday confirmed a report on NFL.com that it had extended Boone's contract by four years. His current deal was set to expire in March, at which point he would have become an exclusive-rights free agent. The new deal, which was signed last month, includes a $1.7 million signing bonus.
Boone went undrafted out of Ohio State in 2009 largely because of character concerns stemming from alcohol abuse in college. He signed with the 49ers that year because he and his agent thought then-head coach Mike Singletary's tough-love approach would be good for him.
Boone has transformed himself since by improving his diet, shunning alcohol and rededicating himself to his craft.
He spent the 2009 season on the 49ers' practice squad. During the 2010 offseason, he showed up at 49ers headquarters 30 pounds lighter and landed a spot on the 53-man roster. He solidified his spot as the team's top backup offensive tackle this year and has been part of the 49ers' heavy jumbo packages that incorporate extra offensive linemen.
The team's starting offensive tackles, left tackle Joe Staley and right tackle Anthony Davis, are signed through 2017 and 2014, respectively.
According to their agents, the 49ers have discussed contract extensions with several other 49ers whose contracts expire after either this year or next. They include outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks, linebacker Larry Grant, defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois, guard Adam Snyder, safety C.J. Spillman and tight end Delanie Walker.
Brooks' agent said his client would like to return to the 49ers but likely will wait until the season ends before he signs a deal.
Injuries – Linebacker Patrick Willis (hamstring) missed practice for the second consecutive day, but he did lift weights with the team's strength and conditioning coach on a side field. Willis is walking without a limp but is unlikely to play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Starting cornerback Carlos Rogers (knee) was back at practice after missing Wednesday's session. Rogers said he bruised his left knee during Sunday's win over the St. Louis Rams.
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