On S Reggie Smith getting worked in the mix more:
"I think with [S] Taylor [Mays] and him, they're running a decent amount of special teams and on defense, at least Taylor was the last couple of weeks. When I was a former player, I used to hate, not hate it, but it was a big toll. [Former Chiefs head coach] Marty [Schottenheimer] used to take me off of PAT protection, which was nothing. For the most part it's the punts and the kickoffs when you're on those things and have to turn around and play defense. Sometimes it's hard for players, it was for me. Even an illustration with [LB] Manny [Lawson] playing a little bit of special teams, we're rotating him and he's having a pretty good year. It's just where you can catch your wind and go out there and perform at a winning fashion."
On whether he noticed a problem with Mays being fatigued:
"I think so, I always was as a player. You're always sucking eggs and then you've got to call the huddle, at least a TED linebacker or a MIKE linebacker. I used to have other guys call it because you're winded, you are. It doesn't matter how great of a shape you are, if you're playing 100 snaps a game, it's a little different than if you're playing 50 or 40."
It seems that the 49ers coaches are not that thrilled with the lack of turnovers that are being caused by the defensive backs and especially Taylor Mays. At USC, Mays had a lot of trouble defending the pass and creating turnovers so this should not come as much surprise.
St. Louis
Did Not Participate: WR Danario Alexander (knee)
Limited Participation: S James Butler (ankle), LB Na'il Diggs (shin), DE James Hall (hand), RB Steven Jackson (finger), RB Brit Miller (calf), TE Fendi Onobun (back), T Rodger Saffold (shoulder)
Full Participation: CB Ron Bartell (neck), LB James Laurinaitis (knee), LB David Vobora (hamstring)
San Francisco
Limited Participation: CB Nate Clements (ankle), QB Alex Smith (shoulder)
