San Francisco 49ers

S Reggie Smith signed with the Carolina Panthers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 25-year old was mainly used on special teams last season but saw his playing time increasing as the sixth defensive back in the dime formation. He recorded 15 tackles, one interception and one pass defensed in 2011.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals re-signed P Dave Zastudil to a two-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 33-year old averaged 45.2 yards per punt last season and ranked 17^th in gross punting as well as 28^th in net punting. The Cardinals could still bring in another punter to compete with Dave Zastudil in training camp.

The Cardinals also agreed to terms with S James Sanders but no details were released.

The 28-year old started six of the 15 games he played with the Atlanta Falcons last season and had 30 solo tackles. Sanders is expected to play behind S Kerry Rhodes and S Adrian Wilson and will feature on special teams as well.

St. Louis Rams

WR Torry Holt signed his ceremonial one-year contract and officially retired as a St. Louis Ram.

Holt spent 10 seasons with the Rams and won a Super Bowl in his rookie season. An offense that featured QB Kurt Warner, RB Marshall Faulk, WR Isaac Bruce and Holt scored 500+ points in three consecutive seasons from 1999 to 2001. Torry Holt ranks second in franchise history with 869 receptions, 12,594 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns. Isaac Bruce leads in all three categories. Holt missed only two games during his time with the Rams and set an NFL record with six consecutive seasons of 1,300+ receiving yards from 2000 through 2005.

The 35-year old spent the 2009 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and played in 15 games. He joined the New England Patriots in 2010 but was released because of a knee injury. Holt had knee surgery and was hoping to return to action in 2011 but no team showed any interest.

On the all-time list Torry Holt ranks 13^th with 920 receptions, 10^th with 13,382 receiving yards and 28^th with 74 touchdowns. He set Super Bowl records for rookies with seven receptions and 109 yards against Jeff Fisher's Tennessee Titans. Holt was a seven-time Pro Bowler from 1999 to 2008 and was selected to the NFL All-Decade team for the 2000s. He was part of one of the most exciting teams in football history.

The San Francisco 49ers beat the St. Louis Rams 34-27 to earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. San Francisco’s next opponent will be determined between the Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants.

It was clear from the start that TE Vernon Davis and WR Michael Crabtree would have to carry the main load in San Francisco’s passing offense. QB Alex Smith connected over and over again with both on the opening drive to get the offense into field goal range. The record-breaking David Akers attempted a field goal from 48 yards but missed.

The St. Louis Rams saw a chance to score the first points in this game. They were in San Francisco’s half after a 24-yard reception from former Niner WR Brandon Lloyd and proceeded to the red zone after 20 yards on 3 carries from RB Steven Jackson. San Francisco’s focus seemed a little off after having surrendered a rushing touchdown last week and QB Kellen Clemens took advantage of it by running 18 yards into the end zone.

Alex Smith showed that he could do just as well as time wound down in the first quarter. The Rams had to punt out of their own end zone and S Reggie Smith returned it 10 yards to St. Louis’ 33-yard line. RB Frank Gore couldn’t rush into the end zone, so Alex Smith tried it from 8 yards and was successful to tie the score at 7.

The 49ers were in control now and continued to add more points to the scoreboard. CB Tarell Brown intercepted Kellen Clemens on St. Louis’ next possession and Michael Crabtree caught a pass for a 28-yard touchdown.

On San Francisco’s next drive David Akers could make up for a missed field goal at the beginning of the game. Alex Smith connected with Vernon Davis on a 44-yard pass to move the offense into the red zone. The distance was too much to overcome after LB Chris Chamberlain sacked Alex Smith for a loss of 7 yards and David Akers connected from 36 yard to give the Niners a 17-7 lead.

David Akers added another three points to the score when he hit a field goal from 42 yards after San Francisco’s final drive of the first half stalled at St. Louis’ 24-yard line. The 49ers took a commanding 20-7 lead into the break.

Josh Brown cut the deficit to 10, when he made a field goal from 49 yards, but the Niners responded with a trick play. San Francisco moved into the red zone after a 15-yard face mask penalty against S Quintin Mikell and a catch for 34 yards from Vernon Davis. The Niners couldn’t convert another first down. Michael Crabtree was running towards the sidelines as David Akers prepared for a 31-yard field goal attempt. No defender followed Crabtree and Akers passed to him for a 14-yard touchdown and a 27-10 lead.

Josh Brown again cut the deficit, this time to 14, when he scored from 48 yards.

The Niners had to punt on their next possession but Andy Lee’s ball sailed 64 yards through the air to St. Louis’ 1-yard line. Kellen Clemens made the mistake of throwing an interception and Tarell Brown returned the ball 5 yards to St. Louis’ 13-yard line. RB Kendall Hunter set up RB Anthony Dixon’s 1-yard rushing touchdown with 3 carries for 12 yards and the Niners were up by a score of 34-13.

With 6:30 minutes remaining the 49ers seemed to relax a little and allowed the Rams to get back into the game. St. Louis entered 49ers territory thanks to an unnecessary roughness call on CB Chris Culliver and moments later Kellen Clemens found Brandon Lloyd for a 36-yard touchdown.

The Rams attempted an onside kick and LB Bryan Kehl recovered the ball for St. Louis. Tarell Brown was called for pass interference on the next play, which gave the Rams a first down on San Francisco’s 1-yard line. RB Carnell Williams ran into the end zone and San Francisco’s lead was down to 34-27.

The Rams received the ball one more time but turned it over on downs and the 49ers were able to run out the clock.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 21 of 31 passes for 219 yards, 1 touchdown and a passer rating of 98.7. His passer rating of 90.7 on the season and 3,150 passing yards are a personal best.

Michael Crabtree caught 9 passes for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Vernon Davis caught 8 passes for 118 yards.

Tarell Brown had the first multi-interception game of his career.

The 49ers surrendered 100 receiving yards to Brandon Lloyd.

San Francisco converted 38% of their third downs and their only attempt on fourth down.

Both teams recorded 3 sacks.

The Niners outpossessed the Rams 35:08 minutes to 24:52 minutes.

FB Bruce Miller left the game with a knee injury, though it doesn’t appear to be too serious.

The San Francisco 49ers released their final injury report for the last game of the regular season at the St. Louis Rams. Compared to last week a few more names have been added to the list:

TE Delanie Walker (jaw) has been ruled out for the season finale. In a week we should know whether he could be available in the playoffs or if his season is over. TE Justin Peele will replace him as the number two tight end.

WR Kyle Williams sustained a concussion in last week’s game at the Seattle Seahawks and is listed as questionable. He is likely going to sit out the game at the St. Louis Rams. WR Brett Swain is expected to replace him and to start alongside WR Michael Crabtree.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. did not practice all week and is likely going to miss his second consecutive game with an ankle injury. With Kyle Williams questionable as well, S Reggie Smith is expected to return punts and RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs.

CB Chris Culliver is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury but is expected to play. CB Tramaine Brock and CB Shawntae Spencer would see more playing time if Culliver couldn’t go.

This is the third consecutive week where FB Bruce Miller is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. He played on both occasions and is expected to start tomorrow as well.

CB Carlos Rogers is suffering from a knee injury and his status for Sunday is questionable. He is not expected to miss the game and will likely start.

RILB Patrick Willis missed the last three games with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned earlier this week that Willis would play if he felt up to it. LB Larry Grant replaced Willis superbly during his absence but Willis should see a few snaps to shed off some rust before the playoffs.

St. Louis’ QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) did not practice all week and are doubtful for the game against the 49ers. QB Kellen Clemens is slated for a third consecutive start. DE Chris Long is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but has yet to miss a game this season. The same injury did not keep him out of the game four weeks ago and he ended up sacking QB Alex Smith twice. LB Brady Poppinga (illness) and CB Josh Gordy (abdomen) are listed as probable and expected to play.

S Reggie Smith (25)

Reggie Smith’s playing time is increasing as the team’s additional defensive back in the dime formation. He recorded 1 interception against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third game of the season. Smith was a third round pick in 2008 and could well receive another contract offer.

QB Alex Smith (27)

Despite having his best season so far opinions are still split on the former number one draft pick but you should be aware of the alternatives before you call for his replacement. Drew Brees (NO) is going to be a free agent but there is no way that he won’t re-sign with the New Orleans Saints. The next best available free agents are Kyle Orton (KC), Jason Campbell (OAK) and Donovan McNabb (FA). Head coach Jim Harbaugh was an NFL quarterback for 15 years and seems to have gotten into Alex Smith’s head. Rumor has it the 49ers will offer Smith a two to three-year contract worth $8 – 11 million per season.

RG Adam Snyder (29)

Snyder started the season on the bench but once he replaced Chilo Rachal in week 4 San Francisco’s pass protection and rushing game improved considerably. It would be negligent not to re-sign him.

S C.J. Spillman (25)

Spillman is a special teams standout and sometimes plays as part of the goal line defense. If he stays on he will continue to see limited action apart from special teams. He is a restricted free agent, which means he can entertain offers from other teams, though the 49ers can match any offer or receive compensation in form of draft picks. The Niners should try to keep their successful special teams unit together, unless he receives an offer that isn’t worth matching.

WR Brett Swain (26)

The 49ers signed the wide receiver less than two months ago to fill the void left by Josh Morgan’s season-ending leg injury. His game status changes from active to inactive, depending on player injuries. The Niners have no reason to sign Swain beyond this season.

DE Will Tukuafu (27)

The 49ers were hoping that Tukuafu could make an impact on the defensive line but they had to place him on IR in October instead. He is an ERFA, hence it would be a surprise if the Niners didn’t try it again with him next season.

S Madieu Williams (30)

The veteran was brought in to compete for a starting job but finds himself on special teams and has even been a healthy scratch. The 49ers have a few young and promising defensive backs and don’t necessarily need the services of Williams in 2012.

After Friday’s practice the 49ers released the final injury report for their game at the Philadelphia Eagles. WR Braylon Edwards (knee) and FB Moran Norris (fibula) didn’t make the weeklong trip to Youngstown, Ohio and are still listed as out. Instead they were rehabbing in California. Edwards hopes to be ready within a couple of weeks but a return after the bye week at the end of month is more likely.

The situation looks a little bit more complicated regarding RB Frank Gore (ankle) and SS Donte Whitner (hip). Both players were limited participants in practice all week and are questionable for Sunday. Head coach Jim Harbaugh hinted that all players are ready to go and will play, though the question is how much action they will see.

This opens up an opportunity for RB Kendall Hunter to get more touches. Hunter could split carries with Gore who is only averaging 2.5 yards per carry and 49.3 yards per game. Hunter had 9 rushing attempts for 26 yards against Cincinnati last week and scored the only touchdown in a 13-8 win.

S Madieu Williams, who replaced FS Dashon Goldson when he was inactive during the first two weeks of the season, is most likely to share time with Donte Whitner at the strong safety position. S Reggie Smith will play on certain downs as well.

WR Michael Crabtree (foot), who was a limited participant in practice and LG Mike Iupati (neck) are listed as probable.

It is rather safe to say that Frank Gore, Donte Whitner, Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati will play at the Philadelphia Eagles, though Gore and Whitner are game time decisions and may see limited action.

The San Francisco 49ers went on their first road trip of the season and bagged a win. The Niners beat the Cincinnati Bengals 13-8 in front of 43,363 fans at 65,500-seat Paul Brown Stadium.

The tale of the first half is quickly told. The Cincinnati Bengals moved 76 yards downfield on their opening drive but had to settle for a 22-yard field goal from Mike Nugent for the only points of the half.

It took the 49ers until halfway through the third quarter to cross midfield. David Akers 23-yard field goal didn’t only mean a tied score at 3, it was also his 300^th career field goal.

Early in the fourth quarter Frank Gore fumbled and gave Cincinnati an excellent field position at San Francisco’s 16-yard line. Five plays later the Bengals had to settle for a 23-yard field goal from Mike Nugent for a 6-3 lead.

The 49ers responded with their only good drive of the game. A 10-play drive for 72 yards ended with rookie Kendall Hunter’s 7-yard run for his first NFL touchdown and a 10-6 lead.

Rookie Andy Dalton, who had a passer rating of 100+ in each of his first two games, threw his first interception with 3:59 left and gave the Niners the ball back at Cincinnati’s 32-yard line. The 49ers called 3 running plays to take time off the clock and David Akers scored another 3 points from 53 yards with 2:21 to go.

Andy Dalton’s second interception of the game sealed Cincinnati’s fate. Safety Reggie Smith intercepted a pass intended for Jermaine Gresham with 1:45 left. There were still 8 seconds on the clock after three running plays when punter Andy Lee decided to run out of his own end zone for a safety. The Bengals fumbled on the ensuing kick-off and the 49ers held on to a 13-8 victory.

Alex Smith completed 20 of his 30 pass attempts for 201 yards and a passer rating of 85.6. Frank Gore ran for 42 yards on 17 carries and an average of 2.5 yards. Vernon Smith caught 8 balls for 114 yards.

The 49ers passed for 176 yards and rushed for 50 yards, which includes Andy Lee’s run of –18 yards for a safety.

San Francisco’s defense held the Bengals to 79 yards on the ground and 149 yards through the air.

Alex Smith was sacked no less than 5 times for a loss of 25 yards.

The 49ers committed 12 penalties for 70 yards.

The Niners had the ball for 35:20.

Kevin Huber’s punts forced the 49ers five times to start a drive inside their own 20-yard zone.

The 49ers will set up a training camp in Yongstown, Ohio and prepare for their next game on Sunday at the Philadelphia Eagles, before returning to California.