49ERS Mariucci values team's health over momentum
San Francisco has already clinched the fourth playoff spot in the NFC.
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With their playoff position secured and unchangeable, the San Francisco 49ers' top priority over the next two weeks is getting as healthy as possible for the NFL's postseason.
Sunday's 20-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers dropped the 49ers out of contention for a first-round playoff bye.
While the Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles (all 11-3) slug it out for a week off and home-field advantage throughout January, the 49ers (9-5) know they will open the playoffs as the conference's fourth seed and play on Jan. 5 at home against the NFC's top wild-card team.
The New Orleans Saints (9-5), the Atlanta Falcons (8-5-1) and the New York Giants (8-6) are contending for the final two NFC playoff spots. The Niners defeated the Giants 16-13 in the season opener and lost to the Saints in New Orleans, 35-27, in Week 7.
Even though all four of the NFC's division leaders could finish the regular season at 11-5, the 49ers would still be seeded fourth because of their losses to the Packers and Eagles.
Nothing crazy
Steve Mariucci, the 49ers' sixth-year coach, wouldn't say no to a two-game winning streak heading into the playoffs but he has no intention of risking any more injuries to key personnel.
"Health is more important to us than momentum," said Mariucci. "You're not gonna see us do anything crazy."
Mariucci cited last year's regular season finale in New Orleans where the 49ers shut out the Saints, 38-0. A week later, the Niners lost a wild-card game at Green Bay, 25-15.
And back in 1997, Mariucci's first team was blown out by the Seahawks, 38-7, in Seattle. That squad rebounded to wallop the Minnesota Vikings, 38-22, to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
Because the Niners have so many starters nursing injuries, Mariucci is making it no secret that he's willing to rest key players against the Cardinals today at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., and particularly on Dec. 30 in St. Louis against the Rams.
Because neither the Rams nor Cardinals are in playoff contention, there's no pressure on Mariucci to play his best.
Expected to start today is quarterback Jeff Garcia, who twisted his ankle late in the Packers game when he ran out-of-bounds and stepped on the foot of mammoth defensive lineman Gilbert Brown of the Packers.
During the two-minute warning, Garcia's foot was retaped and he finished the game by driving the 49ers to the Green Bay 11 before failing to complete a fourth-down pass.
Other injuries
Mariucci said wide receiver Terrell Owens (groin) and offensive tackle Derrick Deese (ankle) would benefit from rest.
The coach expects cornerback Ahmed Plummer (ankle) back today and safety Zach Bronson (broken foot) and linebacker Jamie Winborn (knee) to be ready by Jan. 5.
Others who were listed as probable for today's game were safety Tony Parrish (broken elbow), linebacker Cornelius Anthony (concussion), linebacker Jeff Ulbrich (concussion), kicker Jeff Chandler (hip/groin), offensive guard Eric Heitman (fractured hand), safety John Keith (broken thumb) and running back Garrison Hearst (hyper-extended knee).
Questionable for today's game were running back Kevan Barlow (knee) and tight end Eric Johnson. Doubtful were linebacker Saleem Rasheed (quad strain) and safety Ronnie Heard (ankle).
Because of their injuries and a short week of preparation, Mariucci has limited contact in practice.