Seifert Stoked: Rookie Receiver Finally Ready
On a day when passes were clanging off his hands in practice, rookie receiver J.J. Stokes was all but cleared for game action by San Francisco coach George Seifert.
The 49ers expect Stokes, out since Aug. 18 with a fractured bone in his right hand, to see his first regular-season snaps when the New York Giants visit on Sunday.
“Right now I’m about as positive as I’ve been that he will play,” Seifert said.
Stokes will wear a soft cast on his injured hand and will operate as the 49ers’ fourth receiver behind Jerry Rice, John Taylor and Nate Singleton. He figures to be used sparingly, spelling the regulars or filling out the rare four-receiver set.
Seifert didn’t appear concerned that two passes caromed off Stokes’ hands late in Thursday’s practice.
“It’s a much better, more functional cast (than the old one),” Seifert said. “I think his catching with this looks good - except for the two at the end there.”
The St. Louis Rams are trying to buy time for construction crews racing to finish the Trans World Dome, proposing a swap of home dates with the 49ers.
The Rams are scheduled to open the dome Oct. 22 against San Francisco and play at San Francisco on Nov. 26.
Sanders wants his space
After ducking reporters and cameras, Deion Sanders later proclaimed himself “psyched to be in Dallas” although still nursing his injured left ankle.
“The guys were yelling at me to slow down and take it easy,” the newest member of the Cowboys said.
Earlier this week, Sanders underwent arthroscopic surgery on his ankle for an injury suffered in the spring while playing with the Cincinnati Reds.
Sanders said Thursday he’s tired of reporters and cameras following him, adding that he wants to be “just one of the guys.”
As evidence, the team’s second highest-paid player evaded media during the team’s lunch break by ducking into the equipment room to make a telephone call.
With cameras rolling, Sanders held up a sign he quickly scrawled on a note pad that read, “Leave Me Alone. Love, Deion.”
Around the league
Oakland upgraded the injury status of Terry McDaniel from questionable to probable, as the three-time All-Pro cornerback is improved after suffering a bruised thigh when making an interception Sunday. … The Cleveland Browns added ex-Washington State defensive tackle Chad Eaton to their practice squad.
Defensive lineman Troy Wilson, who played with the 49ers in 1993 and 1994, signed with the Denver Broncos, who put defensive back Ronnie Bradford (left knee) on injured reserve. … The New England Patriots promoted quarterback Jay Barker from the practice squad.