The distinction is, when the 49ers are in a 3-4, Ray McDonald plays right defensive end and Justin Smith lines up, primarily, at right outside linebacker. In a 4-3, McDonald plays right defensive tackle and Smith plays right defensive end.

PLAYER
--OL Jeb Terry was waived/injured after sustaining a foot injury in training camp. Terry was competing for a roster spot at guard before seeing his camp cut short.

--OL John Booker, an undrafted free agent from San Jose State, was signed to take Jeb Terry's place on the roster. The 49ers originally signed Booker after the draft but they released him leading up to camp to create room to sign their draft picks.

--WR Robert Jordan, a promising undrafted free agent, was waived during the first week of camp to enable him to grieve over the death of his grandfather. Coach Mike Nolan said he would like Jordan to rejoin the team when he's ready.

--WR Robert Ortiz was signed to take the roster spot of Robert Jordan. Ortiz (6-1, 188) was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Chargers in 2006. He caught 27 passes for 255 yards and two TDs for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europa in 2007. He signed with the Seahawks last summer, but was waived in training camp. He signed with the Patriots in May and was waived last week.

--FB Moran Norris is in a battle to win a roster spot. A starter the past two seasons, Norris is competing with Zak Keasey. The 49ers might keep only one fullback this season because of the overlap that exists in the Mike Martz offense with the tight ends - or H-back position.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Mark Roman vs. Dashon Goldson for starting FS -- Goldson has gotten plenty of opportunities to shine with Roman out with a hamstring strain. Goldson has been all over the practice field with numerous passes broken up and a few interceptions. Goldson also saw all the time with the first unit during organized team activities when Roman sat out due to arm surgery. Roman is a smart veteran but seems to lack true playmaking skills. He did not record an interception last season. Goldson is a second-year player who seems to find his way into the action regularly at practice.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan for the starting quarterback job. Smith is the former No. 1 overall pick, while Hill and O'Sullivan have a combined two starts (both by Hill) in a combined 13 NFL seasons. ... Jeff Ulbrich and Brandon Moore are competing for the starting job at the strong inside linebacker position alongside Patrick Willis in the 49ers' 3-4 defense. ... Moran Norris and Zak Keasey are in competition to earn roster spots at fullback. The 49ers might keep only one fullback on their roster this season. ... Tony Wragge and rookie Chilo Rachal are lining up at right guard, as the team has to start making plans in case presumptive starter David Baas is not available early in the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn pec tendon in April.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: QB J.T. O'Sullivan -- A week ago he was not even being talked about as a candidate for the starting job. Now, he looks better than Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. O'Sullivan had a couple solid days of practice to become a factor in the race. His big advantage is that he has been in Mike Martz's system for a year. It shows in his command of the offense. If the 49ers were to play a game today, he would give them their best chance to win.

ROOKIE REPORT: DE Kentwan Balmer missed most of the week of practice with a right ankle sprain. He is listed as day-to-day. Before getting injured he lined up with the second-team defense at left defensive end. ... RG Chilo Rachal is working with the second-team offense. Tony Wragge appears to be comfortably ahead of Rachal. Wragge is working with the first team because David Baas will miss training camp with a torn pectoral tendon. ... CB Reggie Smith has looked good in training camp, but it might not be enough to work his way into a significant role during the season because of the 49ers' improved depth in the secondary. ... WR Josh Morgan continued to show a lot of good things during training camp. He has picked up the offense well, and appears to be in solid position to make the 53-man roster. ... C Cody Wallace appeared to struggle early in camp during one-on-one blocking drills. But as he has become more comfortable, Wallace's play has picked up. The 49ers are not second-guessing their decision to select him in the fourth round.

INJURY REPORT: G David Baas is not expected back until late in the exhibition season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn pec tendon. He is on PUP. ... NT Aubrayo Franklin (calf) was activated off the PUP list and is back practicing at full speed. ... LT Joe Staley was removed from the non-football injury list after missing four days with a foot infection. He is back working at full speed. ... WR Ashley Lelie (calf) has missed a week with his strain but appears to be ready to return to action. ... Rookie DE Kentwan Balmer sustained a right ankle sprain, but is running and is expected to return to the practice field in the coming days. ... OT Damane Duckett (knee) missed four days with a sprain. He is back working with the second offense. ... S Mark Roman (hamstring) has been out since the middle of the week with a hamstring strain. He is still listed as day-to-day. ... S Lewis Baker (thigh) missed most of the week with a contusion. His return is listed as day-to-day.

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