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I absolutely KNOW there's popcorn, Lazy Boy recliners, and pizza in heaven. Right now, Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen and Lamar Lundy are are adjusting their Cloud Nine 4000 series recliners in front of a 20 foot HDTV. Why? Because it's time for a Rams - 49ers game! They're all going to be there, the spirits of great players who made places like the L.A. Coliseum and Kesar Stadium hallowed ground. For almost three generations, the professional football world has set aside a place in its lore for when the Rams and 49ers meet. Tonight, with the Rams leading the series 62-61-3 in the regular season meetings - but tied if you include the single postseason meeting between the two in which the 49ers won - another page will be written in one of the longest running NFL rivalries. Have a look at history: Scroll down to page 76...
Both teams need to win tonight. They each face injury demons, which have robbed them of key players for tonight's contest before a nationally televised audience. The San Francisco 49ers will be without Pro Bowl outside linebacker Aldon Smith, and tight end Vernon Davis is questionable. Also questionable is All Pro inside linebacker Patrick Willis, so the 49ers defense will be diving into their roster depth to test inexperienced players.
The St. Louis Rams will be without right offensive tackle Rodger Saffold, and primary back up defensive end William Hayes.
So strap on those beer helmets, and pull that platter of hot wings just a tad closer. It's time for the NFL at its very best. The St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers are about to collide in the Edward Jones Dome.
Injury list courtesy of NFL.com
| INJURIES FOR WEEK 4 | ||||
| Name | Position | Injury | Practice Status | Game Status |
| William Hayes | DE | Knee | Did Not Participate In Practice | Out |
| Mike McNeill | TE | Chest | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Joe Barksdale | T | Not Injury Related | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| T.J. McDonald | S | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Daryl Richardson | RB | Foot | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Chris Williams | G | Foot | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Rodger Saffold | T | Knee | Did Not Participate In Practice | Out |
| Chris Givens | WR | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Jake Long | T | Foot | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| James Laurinaitis | LB | Foot | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| INJURIES FOR WEEK 4 | ||||
| Name | Position | Injury | Practice Status | Game Status |
| Mike Iupati | G | Shoulder | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Vernon Davis | TE | Hamstring | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Frank Gore | RB | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Carlos Rogers | CB | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Nnamdi Asomugha | CB | Knee | Did Not Participate In Practice | Questionable |
| Jonathan Goodwin | C | Elbow | Limited Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Raymond Ventrone | S | Concussion | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Ray McDonald | DT | Ankle | Limited Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Kyle Williams | WR | Rib | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Justin Smith | DT | Shoulder | Limited Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Navorro Bowman | LB | Wrist | Limited Participation in Practice | Probable |
| Anthony Davis | T | Shoulder | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Patrick Willis | LB | Groin | Did Not Participate In Practice | Questionable |