For the San Fransisco 49ers, it was nearly a no-brainer when WR Michael Crabtree was available at No. 10 in the 2009 NFL Draft. Now the work that needs to be done is getting Crabtree signed and in camp.

This is looking like a boxing match, with punches followed by counter-punches. Philip Rivers did a good job of staying composed after the cheap shot. Here are more observations from San Diego.

Denver is going to have to do without two of its top defensive players for at least another week, possibly two.

Following last week’s 31-10 loss to the Raiders, the Denver Broncos could be in line for reinforcements in the form of several defensive starters returning to action.

When the Broncos’ defense takes the field at the Georgia Dome today, it will be doing so without four defensive starters.

The news out of Atlanta this morning is that Broncos CB Champ Bailey will not play against the Falcons.

After missing the last two games with a groin injury, Broncos CB Champ Bailey was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. He’s questionable for Denver’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

Broncos Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey said during pregame warmups that he intends to play in Denver’s next game at Atlanta in Week 11. Bailey was projected to miss up to five weeks with a groin injury and has missed the team’s past two games.

As if they weren’t hit hard enough with injuries, the Broncos suffered two more significant ones at linebacker and safety.