Mike Singletary hasn't hesitated to make significant changes to the starting lineup this season, inserting bench players such as quarterback Shaun Hill, guard David Baas and rookie guard Chilo Rachal at various times.
But although the 49ers' interim coach has considered giving talented second-year safety Dashon Goldson a start in Sunday's finale, he said he would resist the urge.
"You think about it for a second, but the most important thing is what gives you the best chance of going out and winning a football game," he said this week. "I don't want to put guys in and, 'Let's see what you have,' or whatever. … I have a pretty good idea of who's here, but I don't want to push them out there at the expense of not winning a football game. I want to do what gives us the best opportunity to win."
At several points this season, Singletary has insisted he would give linebacker Ahmad Brooks a chance to play. Brooks was signed just before the season after being waived Aug. 30 by Cincinnati. He suited up for only the Dec. 14 game against Miami, but did not play a snap.
Now it's unlikely Brooks will get into a game after all. Brooks, whose father, Perry Brooks, played defensive tackle for the Redskins (1978- 84), has been dealing with a bad back the past two weeks and was limited in Friday's practice.
More Gore – Running back Frank Gore (ankle) was more active in practice Friday, according to a team spokesman, and will be listed as "probable" on the team's injury report. Gore needs 22 yards to become the first 49er to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.
Right tackle Adam Snyder (ankle) also went through a limited practice, while safety Mark Roman (knee) sat out. Roman is expected to play Sunday. If Snyder is healthy, he likely will start ahead of Barry Sims.
All hail – Several 49ers from the Washington area have varying loyalties to the hometown Redskins. Wide receiver Josh Morgan, who grew up blocks from RFK Stadium, insists he was a 49ers fan. Tight end Vernon Davis, who grew up on the opposite side of town, was a "big-time" Redskins fan.
"That was my team," Davis said. "I'm pretty sure they were Josh's team, too, at some point."
Running back Thomas Clayton is from nearby Alexandria, Va. Brooks is from Woodbridge, Va.
Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/ninersblog.
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