San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula spoke to the media today. He stated that T Joe Staley will have a light practice today.
As far as LB Michael Wilhoite goes, Tomsula said that he won't practice today. Wilhoite left Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter and did not return. He had been dealing with an ankle injury that previous week. Late on Tuesday, Ryan Sakamoto of Niner Fans reported that, according to a source, Wilhoite suffered a stress fracture and would be placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Tomsula would not confirm this and simply said that he has an ankle injury and that they are going to look at it again today.
When asked how his replacement, LB Gerald Hodges, did on Sunday, Tomsula said that he "played well" and recognized that the two have different skill sets.
LB Ahmad Brooks was seen throwing his helmet on Sunday and then spending a lot of time on the sideline. Tomsula stated that there was no controversy there.
QB Johnny Manziel will start for the Cleveland Browns, the 49ers next opponent, on Sunday. When asked about Manziel and planning for him, Tomsula said, "Johnny Manziel's a playmaker. Obviously he can use his feet, make it backyard ball. We need to be smart how we approach it." As for the 49ers defense, "We have to be real smart how we approach that from the pocket and the back end," Tomsula added.
DB Jimmie Ward had his first career interception and touchdown on Sunday. When asked if he has improved, Tomsula said, "Yes. Very much so." He continued by saying that he works hard to improve and is dedicated to learning. "We have some younger guys that are getting better ... Saying that, we have a long way to go," Tomsula stated.
Tomsula added some humor at the end when Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area asked him why the 49ers don't disguise their calls on the field. For example, LB NaVorro Bowman, who was mic'd up during Sunday's game, yelled "screen" on the play that resulted in Ward's interception of Bears QB Jay Cutler and returned for a touchdown. Why not yell something else? Tomsula stated that they just want to call it what it is. It simplifies things so that there is no need to remember what is what. "It's a run" or "it's a pass" is just easier Tomsula joked.
