NFC WEST 49ers-Rams notes

Slow start: The 49ers are looking to avoid their first 0-4 start since 1979, the first year Bill Walsh was head coach. Sunday's 34-0 loss to the Seahawks was the first shutout of the Niners since 1977, before Eddie DeBartolo bought the team.
Turnaround: Sunday at 3Com Park, the Niners will play host to the St. Louis Rams (1-2). One reason the Rams are struggling is because of turnovers. In 2003, St. Louis led the NFL with 46 takeaways. In games against the Cardinals, Falcons and Saints, the Rams defenders have generated no takeaways. The Niners have turned the ball over seven more times than they've stolen it. "It's deflating," Niners coach Dennis Erickson said. "We are -7 in turnovers and the two teams above us are Miami and Tampa Bay, at -6, who are [also] 0-6. To me, that's the biggest stat that really jumps out at you."
Troubles escalated: In the loss to the Seahawks, second-year quarterback Ken Dorsey made his second straight NFL start and struggled. "He played pretty well in New Orleans and started out OK against the Seahawks, completing his first three passes," Erickson said. "But they are playing awfully good on defense. He threw and interception and that started our downfall. Hopefully, he'll learn from it. The thing about Ken is that he understands the game pretty well and he understands when he plays very well and he doesn't. There are players in the National Football League that think they play well in every game even though they don't. He's not one of them. He evaluates how he plays and is as hard how he plays and is as hard on himself as anybody. He's got a lot of composure and confidence in himself."
Injuries: Dorsey sprained his groin against the Seahawks but can practice. Cornerback Ahmed Plummer suffered a MCL sprain. An MRI revealed no damage so he's expect to start. The other cornerback will be Mike Rumph, who sat out the Seahawks game with a groin injury. Defensive end Andre Carter's back has not yet healed and Erickson says he is very doubtful to go against the Rams. Defensive end Brandon Whiting came out of the Seahawks game with a little soreness in his back but will play Sunday. Left tackle Kwame Harris is questionable with his knee and high ankle sprain. Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (groin) is expected to practice this week.
Newberry update: Erickson said last week's surgery on all-Pro center Jeremy Newberry went well and doctors say "there is a possibility that Jeremy could come back and play [this season]. We miss the leadership in there. Some of the things he does call-wise."
-- Tom Williams