SANTA CLARA – Jimmy Raye has been taking plenty of heat during the 49ers' recent three-game slide, but the veteran offensive coordinator had a loyal defender watching from the sideline during Friday's practice.
Rich Gannon, who will provide color commentary Sunday for CBS, spent four seasons with Raye in Kansas City and then one more season with the Raiders. Raye was the Chiefs' offensive coordinator in 1998, and Gannon started 10 games that season. He threw for 2,305 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Gannon said Raye was very good at figuring out his players' strength and then wrapping the offense around them. But he warned the process takes time, and in the 49ers' case, might take longer because of the recent quarterback change.
"I've always said, 'As a play caller, you have to see it through the eyes of the quarterback,' " Gannon said. "Now Shaun Hill's not the quarterback. Now it's Alex (Smith). What does Alex do well? And how do we get him in a position where he's comfortable? And not only that, but it's the first time the guy has played in a while. Are we going to overload him?"
Gannon also said it was hard to overestimate the obstacles Smith has gone through as far as having a different offensive coordinator every year he's been in the league. He said he was impressed by Smith in the last 1 1/2 games, but he said the remainder of the season would decide whether Smith is back with the 49ers next year.
"The next eight weeks are critical for them to find out who he is and what he's capable of," Gannon said.
Et cetera – Linebacker Takeo Spikes (shoulder) practiced for the first time this week. He is probable for Sunday's game against the Titans and the NFL's top rusher, Chris Johnson.
• Coach Mike Singletary said safety Reggie Smith (groin) would be a game-time decision and likely be limited to special teams if he plays.
• The NFL fined Colts linebacker Clint Session $5,000 for hitting Alex Smith at the knees Sunday in Indianapolis. The Colts were penalized for the play.
Read Matthew Barrows' archives and blogs at www.sacbee.com/sf49ers.
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