--WR Ashley Lelie is still trying to win a roster spot and a good performance in the 49ers' final exhibition game is a must. Lelie has missed the first three exhibition games with a torn calf muscle.

--LB Takeo Spikes, signed two weeks ago as a free agent, continues to compete with Jeff Ulbrich for the strong inside linebacker position. Spikes is expected to see more action in the exhibition finale against the Chargers.

--WR Josh Morgan, who recorded nine catches for 182 yards and a touchdown in the first two exhibition games, did not have a catch in nearly three quarters of action against the Bears.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Jeff Ulbrich vs. Takeo Spikes for starting strong inside linebacker - Ulbrich was the presumptive starter throughout the entire offseason. But the 49ers did not know if he could withstand the punishment of a 16-game season, so they signed the free-agent Spikes. Ulbrich knows the system well. Spikes has been a little unsure of himself in the early days with his new team. Ulbrich is still working with the first team, but Spikes is expected to get more and more chances to win the starting job.

BATTLE FRONTS: Mark Roman vs. Dashon Goldson for starting free safety -- Roman missed a couple weeks with a hamstring injury, but he returned to his starting job. Goldson has continued to find his way to the ball and make plays, but Roman has the knowledge of the defense. ... Moran Norris vs. Zak Keasey for roster spots at fullback -- The 49ers might keep only one fullback on their roster this season. Keasey has been working with the No. 1 offense.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: DE Ray McDonald - He has provided a consistent pass rush from the defensive-end position. He recorded 1.5 sacks in the 49ers' exhibition game against the Packers after recording one sack against the Raiders. He did not have one against Chicago, registering just one tackle. The 49ers' pass rush appears to be in much better shape, thanks in large part to McDonald's contributions. "We got to get them (sacks) when the season gets here," McDonald said. "That's when it really counts. So that's what we've got to do."

ROOKIE REPORT: DE Kentwan Balmer has not had much of an impact, and he might be in a fight to get into the mix this season. Although his effort is not an issue, he does seem to have a difficult time getting off blocks. ... RG Chilo Rachal does not appear as if he'll challenge for playing time and might not be active on game days. ... CB Reggie Smith showed up well in coverage against the Packers, but it'll be difficult to make a contribution once the real games begin. ... WR Josh Morgan has been one of the stars of training camp. He has gotten an opportunity play due to injuries, and he has performed. Morgan caught five passes for 114 yards and a TD against the Packers, but did not have a catch against Chicago. ... C Cody Wallace has played very well after getting off to a rough start in training camp.

INJURY REPORT:

--LG Adam Snyder sustained a high ankle sprain. Although the 49ers hope he'll be available for the regular-season opener, his return is not a certainty.

--RG David Baas was expected to be activated from the PUP list this week. It is uncertain whether he'll play in the exhibition finale, but the 49ers expect him to suit up for the regular-season opener Sept. 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.

--RB Michael Robinson, out since late July with torn cartilage in his knee, is expected to begin practicing this week and should be 100 percent for the regular-season opener.

--WR Bryant Johnson is expected to miss this week's exhibition finale against the Chargers with a hamstring injury. Johnson has not played in the exhibition season, and coach Mike Nolan expressed some doubt whether Johnson could miss so much of the preseason and still be in the starting lineup for the regular-season opener.