Rattay earns starting job over Smith
Tim Rattay will be the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback for the season opener, reclaiming his job from No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith after two preseason games.
Coach Mike Nolan announced the decision Tuesday at the conclusion of the 49ers’ first full practice following the death of offensive lineman Thomas Herrion, who collapsed in the locker room in Denver on Saturday night.
The players and coaches seemed grateful to focus on something other than their grief and mourning – and Smith, Herrion’s college teammate and friend for two years at Utah, was able to put his first pro disappointment in perspective.
“I know how this works,” Smith said. “This is a team game. This isn’t all about me. I think the team wants to win now. We expect to win now, and as of right now, this looks like the right decision. Hopefully, I keep getting better and keep pushing it. Who knows what happens in the future, but right now, I understand it.”
Smith struggled as the 49ers’ starter in their first two preseason games, while Rattay was outstanding as the backup. Rattay started nine games for San Francisco last season in his only season as a first-stringer, but struggled all season with three injuries.
Bennett doubtful for opener
Mike Tice said running back Michael Bennett’s sore neck will keep him out of the Minnesota Vikings’ season opener against Tampa Bay on Sept. 11.
Bennett, however, said he should be ready to go by next weekend’s preseason finale.
On Monday, Tice said Bennett most likely would sit out Friday night’s exhibition against the San Diego Chargers. Then, on Tuesday, he said Bennett was “definitely not going to play” and could miss the season opener against the Bucs.
Seahawks release Woodard, claim Scobey
The Seattle Seahawks released veteran defensive tackle Cedric Woodard after he missed most of training camp with a knee injury.
Seattle also released running back Jesse Lumsden, an undrafted free agent from McMaster University in Canada.
To take Lumsden’s spot, Seattle claimed running back Josh Scobey off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals.
Gates agrees to six-year deal
The Antonio Gates saga took another surprising turn when the All-Pro tight end agreed to a six-year contract with the San Diego Chargers.
Despite getting the long-term deal he wanted, Gates still has to sit out the final two exhibition games and the season opener against Dallas on Sept. 11, his punishment for missing a team-imposed deadline for reporting to training camp.
Financial details weren’t immediately available.
Around the league
Carolina running back Stephen Davis went through his first full-padded practice in more than 10 months. He is trying to make it back from microfracture surgery on his right knee, which limited him to just two games in 2004. … Cornerback Marlin Jackson, Indianapolis’ first-round pick, is expected to miss Saturday’s game at Denver with an injured hip. … Philadelphia signed free-agent punter Sean Landeta. … Green Bay gave coach Mike Sherman a two-year contract extension through the 2007 season.