Thankfully, no shortage of items to write about

Coach Mike Nolan said he has spoken with the team ownership after Denise DeBartolo York made comments to the Chron that Nolan would likely be stripped of his personnel powers. The remarks that appeared in Wednesday's paper clearly caught Nolan by surprise.

When asked what came out of the conversation with the owners, Nolan said, "I'm right when I said those things would be talked about in January. That's when those things will be spoken about."

He added, "I think there was disappointment that it came out like it was."

Who was disappointed?

"On their part," he said. "I didn't say anything. I didn't write it or the other thing."

Nolan intimated that the media were to blame, but the Yorks have not backed down from the comments.

"Sometimes that's the case where you take the quotes and the way it was written," Nolan said. "You guys are the masters of that. You can make it any way you want. Like I said yesterday, there's a time and place to speak about it. Other than that, when January comes we'll do everything in our power to improve this organization."

Did the Yorks question the veracity of the report?

"I'm just saying what I just said," Nolan said. "We'll talk about it in January and we'll do everything we can to make the 49ers better at that time. That's what I'm saying."

Did the Yorks suggest some of it was taken out of context?

"No," he said. "They didn't suggest anything."

* * *

Although Dr. James Andrews has ordered Alex Smith sit two weeks before his shoulder and forearm are re-evaluated, Nolan said today it would be a game-time decision whether Smith is available to play against the Cardinals.

Surprisingly, Nolan said Smith will be evaluated before the game Sunday to "see how it feels." Then, Nolan would determine what Smith's role will be in the game, he said. He will be listed as questionable.

We're going to give Nolan the benefit of the doubt and figure he's just being coy. There doesn't appear to be any possible way Smith would suit up and be available to see game action.

Trent Dilfer will start. It's uncertain whether No. 3 quarterback Shaun Hill will be available with a broken right index finger. Nolan said it doesn't look as if the team will promote Drew Olson from the practice squad for the game.

* * *

WR Ashley Lelie (quad) and LB Jeff Ulbrich (ankle) returned to full participation in practice today. Neither practiced on Wednesday. Smith, RB Frank Gore (ankle) and QB Shaun Hill (finger) were also limited. Smith's participation was limited to footwork and handoffs.

WR Jason Hill (groin) and NT Aubrayo Franklin (calf) did not practice and will not play in Sunday's game.

* * *

Yes, there is work going on around the league on Thanksgiving. Six teams are playing, and the other 26 teams are practicing. And because there is practice, the writers who cover the teams show up, too. (In 49erland, there are no TV cameras or radio mics to be seen.)

Also, it's good to see that the same handful of folks who show up at the 49ers' practice facility every day to acquire autographs have not decided to take the day off, either.

One of the best Thanksgiving traditions in the past was the good-natured heckling that some players would give the media. Tom Rathman was the best. "Why are you here? Don't you have families?" He made a good point.

I've worked every Thanksgiving for the past 13 years. I've also worked nearly every Christmas. Looking ahead, I'm excited that Christmas this year falls on a Tuesday, which is the traditional day off for players (and media).

Happy Thanksgiving to all.


Posted November 22, 2007 1:40:28 PM

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