NFL 49ers need help from backups

Second-year quarterback Ken Dorsey is expected to start Sunday in Seattle.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
With 40 percent of the San Francisco 49ers' starting offensive line disabled, Coach Dennis Erickson is hoping for strong play from young backups during Sunday's game in Seattle against the NFC West Division-leading Seahawks.
During the 30-27 loss to the Saints in New Orleans three days ago, starting left tackle Kwame Harris, the Niners' top pick in the 2003 draft from Stanford, suffered a sprained knee and sprained ankle.
The Niners, owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield, moved second-year right guard Kyle Kosier to Harris' spot and put rookie Justin Smiley (second-round pick from Alabama) at right guard.
Because of many offensive line injuries, Erickson said Kosier's versatility has been beneficial in his two years as Niners head coach.
"Kyle has started and played every position but center," said Erickson of the team's seventh-round selection from Arizona State in 2003. "Having him here really helps."
Smiley saw some action in the Niners' game against the Falcons, a 21-19 loss.
Acknowledging inexperience, Erickson said Tuesday that Smiley is someone "who will only get better by playing."
Newberry has surgery
Tuesday, starting center Jeremy Newberry, a Pro Bowl selection in 2002, had knee surgery. Brock Gutierrez, an eight-year journeyman who once played for the Cincinnati Bengals, will start.
"Newberry is one of the best players in the league at his position," Erickson said. "Like most teams, we don't have a lot of depth [at center] but Gutierrez did all right against the Saints."
Erickson said Harris is "pretty doubtful" for Sunday's game in Seattle, but there's a good chance wide receiver Cedric Wilson (hamstring) and defensive end Andre Carter (back) will return. Tailback Kevan Barlow, who suffered bruised ribs against the Saints, should start.
Lining up behind Gutierrez should be second-year quarterback Ken Dorsey making his second consecutive start. In New Orleans, Dorsey (best remembered here as the quarterback that Ohio State faced in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl BCS Championship Game) completed 18 of 32 passes for 205 yards.
"He started slow in Sunday's game [0-5], but he gained confidence as the game progressed," said Erickson of Dorsey's first start since the Buckeyes' double-ovetime win 21 months ago in Tempe, Ariz.
Dorsey for Rattay
Dorsey is replacing starter Tim Rattay who injured his shoulder against the Falcons. Erickson says Rattay won't come back as the starter until he's able to resume practicing.
After two losses by a combined five points, the Niners should have their hands full with Mike Holmgren's Seahawks (2-0).
"They've got a lot of weapons," Erickson said of Seattle, the franchise he coached from 1995-98. "Shaun [Alexander] is and a terrific back and [Matt] Hasselbeck is one of the better quarterbacks around. More importantly, their offensive line is outstanding."
Erickson credited the Seahawks ascension to title contender to the franchise's patience.
"It's Mike's sixth year and they building this thing since he arrived," Erickson said. "It looks like they finally have got the guys they want."
So far, the Niners have lost twice despite having late chances to force overtime in both games. The Falcons game ended when Rattay's two-point conversion pass was incomplete.
In New Orleans, Dorsey's screen pass to fullback Terry Jackson covered 37 yards to the 1, but was negated by an holding against wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. An interception on the next play ended the game.
williams@vindy.com