Bee staff writer Matthew Barrows is in Chicago, where the 49ers will play their third exhibition game tonight. Here's an excerpt of his blog Wednesday that can be found at www.sacbee.com/ninersblog
Brian de la Puente, an undrafted rookie from Cal, will start at left guard tomorrow night in place of Adam Snyder, who sprained his ankle in yesterday's practice. Snyder will be re-evaluated next week and could miss the Aug. 29 exhibition finale against San Diego. He is not expected to miss the regular-season opener Sept. 7.
Why does de la Puente start when the team has a second-round pick in Chilo Rachal playing guard? Rachal has been playing on the right side behind Tony Wragge while de la Puente has been playing behind Snyder. The Packers tried shuffling their guards on a short week of preparation Saturday, and it resulted in all sorts of problems with the interior pass protection. The 49ers don't want similar breakdowns this week. Another reason: De la Puente has looked solid in training camp.
• CB Tarell Brown (hip) did some work today in practice and will travel to Chicago. Whether he plays will be a game-time decision. Out of action are WRs Arnaz Battle, Bryant Johnson, Ashley Lelie, G David Baas, RB Michael Robinson and S Lewis Baker.
• Forgot to include this from yesterday: FB Moran Norris was getting some work with the first-team offense. It will be interesting to see how he's used tomorrow.
• There are also plenty of familiar faces in the Bears' locker room. Chicago signed former 49ers WR Brandon Lloyd – he of the lovely braids and alligator arms – in the offseason. This will be the 49ers' first meeting with Lloyd since he departed San Francisco early in 2006. More mixed blood: Bears NT Anthony Adams spent his first four seasons in San Francisco, Bears DE Dan Bazuin is good friends with Joe Staley from their days at Central Michigan, CB Tarell Brown was Nathan Vasher's understudy at Texas, CB Walt Harris is an ex-Bear and, of course, 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary used to play a little linebacker in the Windy City.
• Just landed in Chicago. Now to see about some deep-dish pizza. …
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