49ERS GAME AT A GLANCE
Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
Time: 5:20 p.m.
Line: 49ers by 7
Records: 49ers 4-2; Seahawks 4-2
TV/radio: NFL Network (Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock), 810, 1320
MATCHUP TO WATCH
49ers left tackle vs. Seattle linebacker Bruce Irvin
The identity of the 49ers' left tackle probably won't be revealed until 90 minutes before kickoff because regular starter Joe Staley has yet to be cleared to play after suffering a concussion Sunday against the Giants. If he can't play, Alex Boone will make his first start at left tackle. Boone played well in relief Sunday, but the Seahawks will be sure to test him. They use Irvin, a rookie, the way the 49ers used Aldon Smith last year as a pass-rush specialist. Irvin has 4 1/2 sacks.
THREE KEYS TO GAME
The 49ers' defense will zero in on Marshawn Lynch, who had 107 yards in the teams' second meeting last year. But they can't overlook rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, who had his best outing 293 yards, three touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Patriots.
The 49ers will try to take advantage of the Seahawks' aggressive press coverage. Alex Smith connected with Randy Moss deep Sunday, and similar gains could be available tonight if the receivers can get off the line of scrimmage cleanly.
The 49ers' kick-coverage units rank 31st in the league and allowed another big return to the Giants. They have to firm up against Seattle's dangerous return man, Leon Washington.
INJURY REPORT
49ERS
Questionable: T Joe Staley (concussion), WR Mario Manningham (shoulder), RB Brandon Jacobs (knee)
Probable: QB Alex Smith (finger), P Andy Lee (hand), K David Akers (illness), LB Tavares Gooden (groin)
SEAHAWKS
Out: G John Moffitt (knee)
Doubtful: CB Byron Maxwell (hamstring)
Probable: S Kam Chancellor (ankle), DT Clinton McDonald (groin)
Matthew Barrows
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