It is week 5 of the 2011 season and San Francisco’s injury list is growing. WR Braylon Edwards (knee) and FB Moran Norris (fibula) are still ruled out. Both are going to miss their third consecutive game. They will be joined by CB Tramaine Brock, whose hand injury will keep him sidelined against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tramaine Brock has 4 tackles in 4 games this season. He and CB Carlos Rogers lead the team with 2 interceptions each.

CB Shawntae Spencer (toe) didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday but was a limited participant in practice on Friday. This makes his status questionable for Sunday. Spencer only made 3 tackles so far this season.

This situation requires rookie CB Chris Culliver to step up and we should get a better look at his potential. He is only one of three healthy cornerbacks for Sunday, together with Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown. Culliver recorded 4 tackles in 4 games and has shown that he can cover.

NT Isaac Sopoaga didn’t practice all week because of a staph infection and is listed as doubtful. There is no word on what precautions the 49ers took but the sensible thing is to rest Sopoaga as the disease is contagious. Sopoaga’s 6 tackles in 4 games may not sound spectacular but he is an integral part of the league’s 4^th best run defense, which allows 74.0 yards per game.

If Sopoaga is unable to play Ricky Jean Francois will get the start at the nose tackle position. Francois made 1 tackle in 4 games. DeMarcus Dobbs or Ian Williams would be activated as Francois’ backup.

WR Michael Crabtree (foot), RB Frank Gore (ankle), LG Mike Iupati (neck) and RG Adam Snyder (hamstring) are all listed as probable and ready to play.

Earlier this week Michael Crabtree moved past WR Ted Ginn Jr. on the depth chart and is expected to start alongside Josh Morgan. Crabtree is still without a touchdown this season but he caught 5 passes for 68 yards last week.

Frank Gore is recovering from his ankle injury and had a great game at the Philadelphia Eagles, when he ran for 127 yards and 1 touchdown. He will share time with Kendall Hunter but I expect him to get the majority of the carries, especially as the game wears on.

Adam Snyder won the starting job at right guard last week and there is no doubt in my mind that he will start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, too, as he was a full participant in Friday’s practice.

The San Francisco 49ers trimmed their roster to the required 53 men. Most moves were expected but some were surprising. In a conference call with the media head coach Jim Harbaugh gives his view on it.

Harbaugh on quarterback situation

By releasing Josh McCown and McLeod Bethel-Thompson the 49ers currently have two quarterbacks on their roster. “We feel confident in Colin [Kaepernick],” Harbaugh said, but it doesn’t preclude the franchise from doing anything that helps the football team, including going after a young quarterback. Asked whether there will be a third quarterback before the regular season starts, Harbaugh replied that he anticipates that there will be one in the building, practice squad or other. The head coach didn’t explain why he cut Josh McCown, but said it’s possible that he’s available if the 49ers need a third quarterback.

Harbaugh on backup running back situation

“I think that’s an ongoing decision, who’s playing better. And there will be a rotation. All three of those backs will play. Right now, Kendall Hunter is ahead on the depth chart.”

Harbaugh on tight ends

It is a possibility to add a third tight end but Jim Harbaugh also acknowledged that Bruce Miller can do some of the things a third tight end can do. “Yes, he can, as well as play on special teams. He’s definitely going to be a swing guy in that regard.”

Harbaugh on keeping seven defensive linemen

“Demarcus Dobbs and Ian Williams, we felt, earned a spot. We feel they have a good upside. That’s a tough position to find in the National Football League, those big bodies. We were pleased.”

Harbaugh on special teams

Jim Harbaugh expects C.J. Spillman, Blake Costanzo and Colin Jones to be on all special teams units. “In the National Football League, you have to win two of three phases to win a game. We want to be strong on special teams. And that’s a sign that we want to be strong on special team.”