--Rookie receiver Josh Morgan is regaining his strength after he confirmed that he lost 15 pounds due to a staph infection late in training camp. Niners coach Mike Nolan and the organization have declined to acknowledge that Morgan and safety Keith Lewis were treated for staph infections nearly a month ago. Both players missed about a week of practices.
--Quarterback Alex Smith, who is out for the season with a small fracture in his right shoulder, is progressing well and looks as if he will not require surgery to insert a screw to aid in the healing process.
Smith might have a procedure to remove the wire sutures that were inserted in the surgery to repair his separated shoulder last December. Smith's future with the 49ers is up in the air because of a scheduled $9.625 million salary in 2009.
--Veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes was rewarded with his first start for the 49ers at the strong inside position. He took over full time for Jeff Ulbrich, who started the first three games but saw a steady reduction in playing time.
Spikes supplied the highlight of the game for the 49ers when he made a one-handed interception underneath on a Drew Brees pass to an intended receiver about 15 yards down the field. Spikes was credited with eight tackles and two quarterback hurries.
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