SANTA CLARA – Each week interim head coach Mike Singletary seems to shake up the 49ers' starting lineup, and this week is shaping up no differently.
During his Wednesday press briefing, Singletary hinted strongly that rookie offensive lineman Chilo Rachal, the team's second-round draft pick, would get his first start of the season Sunday against Dallas.
"Right now it's a situation in which Chilo is doing a good job, and this week Chilo may get more (practice repetitions) depending on how this morning's meetings go and everything else," Singletary said. "He may have a chance to start this week. We're looking at it and we'll see how it goes."
If Rachal starts, it will be at right guard, where he has been inserted for starter Tony Wragge for a few series over the past two games. Wragge seemed caught off guard about a possible move at his position and refused to answer questions on the subject.
Rachal, meanwhile, said he had been frustrated by his lack of playing time earlier this year. Recently he's been channeling that disappointment into more productive practice sessions.
"The only thing I can do is work hard at practice, and it's starting to pay off," he said.
Hill honored – Quarterback Shaun Hill was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week for his nearly flawless first-half effort against the Rams. Hill and the 49ers built a 35-3 lead in the first half, and Hill went into the locker room with a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
"It was kind of a surprise," Hill said, "but any time a quarterback gets an award like that, it's a direct reflection of how the whole offense played, and in this case, how the whole team played."
Injuries – Linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive end Justin Smith were among the six players who didn't practice Wednesday. Willis has a hip strain while Smith is being given rest.
In addition, Arnaz Battle (foot), Dashon Goldson (knee), Walt Harris (rest) and rookie Josh Morgan (groin) missed practice. No one has been ruled out of Sunday's game at this point.
Tarell Brown (neck), Michael Robinson (shoulder), Delanie Walker (shoulder), Mark Roman (groin) and Barry Sims (foot) were limited in practice.
Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/ninersblog.
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