NFL 49ers, Steelers set for Monday's clash

The two teams will collide at Candlestick Park for the first time in four seasons.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
San Francisco 49ers coach Dennis Erickson, coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers' next opponent, admits he's surprised that last year's AFC North Division defending champion has struggled so much in the NFL's first 10 weeks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6) are tied with the Cleveland Browns for third (also known as last) place in the AFC North, two games behind the Baltimore Ravens.
"Then again, I bet they're a little surprised to see where we are," Erickson said.
The Niners (4-5), which are owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield, trail the first-place Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams by two games in the NFC West Division.
Monday night meeting
Monday at 9 p.m., the Steelers and Niners will meet at Candlestick Park for the first time in four seasons.
The Steelers are coming off Sunday's 28-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers took last weekend off after walloping the Rams, 30-10, on Nov. 2.
"The great thing about them is that right now they are right in their division race. They're coming here with something to play for," Erickson said. "We're great examples of the parity in this league."
At his press conference in Pittsburgh, Cowher said, "We control our own destiny at this point. We've dug a hole for ourselves; we've created a hurdle for ourselves.
"To play on Monday night is a honor," Cowher said. "You pay the piper the next week, but we're not in any position to be complaining."
And while Cowher would rather be playing at Heinz Field, he said it's a big challenge to travel across country.
"Monday Night is always a great forum," he said. "Everyone in the league is watching. We're playing a team that doesn't have a margin of error as well. San Francisco is a storied franchise."
Decision
Unlike two weeks ago when the Steelers played in Seattle, Cowher has decided not to take his team west until the day before the game.
"There's too much sitting around the hotel," Cowher said. "It's not like we're out there going sightseeing."
Erickson said, "The Steelers are way better than their record indicates," Erickson said. "It wouldn't surprise me if they won the division [and went far in the postseason.]"
Plagued by injuries, Erickson said the week off has helped with the healing. But the Niners are a long way from having all their starters back.
Erickson said quarterback Jeff Garcia, who has been bothered with a back injury since training camp, is unlikely to play because of a high-ankle sprain he suffered on Oct. 26 against the Cardinals.
"He can walk on it fine, but he can't run," Erickson said of the ankle. "This week, it will be more rehab for Jeff than anything."
Second start at QB
That means Tim Rattay will make his second start at quarterback. Against the Rams, Rattay completed 19 of 29 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns.
"Tim is very smart, understands what's going on and plays within himself," Erickson said. "Because we ran the ball so well against the Rams, it helped set up the play-action pass."
Tailbacks Garrison Hearst and Kevan Barlow combined for 156 yards on 31 carries.
The Niners' offensive line has dominated the team's injury list. Erickson said all but guard Eric Heitmann (ankle) are expected to play.
"Kyle Kosier, who's already played most of the season, will play left guard," Erickson said.
Among the 11 players who sat out Monday's practice were safety Zack Bronson, defensive end Andre Carter, defensive back Ronnie Heard, and linebacker Jeff Ulbrich. Bronson and Ulbrich are listed as questionable for the Steelers game.
Hitting the practice field for the first time was cornerback Jason Webster, who has been recovering from a knee injury since training camp.
"It depends on how sore is he [today]," Erickson said of Webster's status for Monday.
williams@vindy.com