SANTA CLARA - Marshall Faulk was at 49ers practice Tuesday in his new role with the NFL Network. But the former St. Louis Rams running back was treated more like a visiting coach than a reporter.
Several 49ers, including running back Frank Gore, drifted to Faulk's side during the morning practice, and Faulk was not stingy about with advice for his former division rival.
"I don't call it tutoring," Faulk said of his relationship with Gore. "We just talk football. Frank's a polished athlete. We talk football, and I try to have conversations with him just about the game in general."
Gore's ability to learn to protect the quarterback in new coordinator Mike Martz's offense - which sends many receivers downfield, leaving the quarterback exposed - is the most critical factor for him, Faulk said. Martz's Detroit Lions team, for example, allowed 54 sacks last year and 63 in 2006.
Faulk said Gore's experience in pass protection is nothing like the responsibility he will shoulder this season under Martz, St. Louis' former coach and offensive coordinator.
"Whether (a sack) was his fault or not, you wouldn't know," Faulk said. "In this offense, you're going to know when Frank's guy is the guy and he missed him."
He also predicted Gore wouldn't be featured as prominently as a receiver as Faulk was when he joined the Rams in 1999. Faulk already had had plenty of experience in that role with his first team, the Indianapolis Colts.
"I know a lot of people, including myself, are wondering ... how is that going to work? Because Frank seems like a one-dimensional back," Faulk said. "But I think he hasn't been used in that way, and Mike is going to bring him along slowly."
Lineman shuffle - The 49ers cut one offensive lineman, Qasim Mitchell, and signed another, Joe Toledo. Toledo was a fourth-round draft pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2006 who has struggled with knee injuries the last two seasons. He was released in February. Toledo's signing will have no bearing on whether the 49ers add ex-Raiders lineman Barry Sims, who visited Monday. The 49ers have little depth at tackle, and Sims might be the top backup on the right and left side. Sims, however, is in high demand. He will visit the New England Patriots today and the Baltimore Ravens and Rams later this week.
From the hip - Cornerback Shawntae Spencer was on the sideline Tuesday because of a hip flexor muscle injury. He could miss the remainder of organized team activities, which conclude June 19.
Veteran wide receiver Isaac Bruce, already familiar with Martz's offense, also has been excused for the remainder of OTAs. n n n Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
