SANTA CLARA – The 49ers, who have been kings of the East Coast since Jim Harbaugh was hired last year, will get to test their road-game prowess a bit farther afield next season.
The NFL announced Thursday that the Jacksonville Jaguars will host the 49ers in the league's annual game at Wembley Stadium in London.
The 49ers hosted the Denver Broncos in London – and won 24-16 with Troy Smith as their starting quarterback – on Oct. 31, 2010.
Next year's game will be Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. (Pacific). Including exhibition games, it will be the 49ers' 11th international contest.
"Our 2010 experience in London was tremendous," CEO Jed York said in a statement. "The atmosphere at Wembley Stadium on game day was electric. The ability for us to share 49ers football with our faithful fans internationally is a treat for everyone in our organization."
The league's schedule-makers likely will couple the trip with an East Coast game for the 49ers.
Two years ago, for example, they visited the Carolina Panthers before heading to England and spending the week at a former estate outside of London.
On the team's schedule next year are games at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans, as well as one at the NFC East team that finishes in the same spot in that division as the 49ers do in the NFC West.
That is, if that team is the Giants, Eagles or Redskins, a visit to one of those cities before London would be a strong possibility.
Harbaugh is 5-1 in games played in the Eastern time zone. His lone loss came against the Baltimore Ravens last year.
Injury update – Alex Smith went through his second consecutive full practice without any noticeable issues with his sprained right middle finger.
Running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) and punter Andy Lee (hand) also practiced in full.
For the Giants, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) practiced on a limited basis. Nicks said a decision on his availability for Sunday's game will be made today.
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