49ers seem confident in Sims

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers' top offensive lineman, left tackle Joe Staley, is out for six weeks because of a sprained knee, but the only compensation the team made for the loss this week was adding another tackle to the practice squad. Translation: In Barry Sims we trust. Sims, the 49ers' 11th-year tackle, eased a lot of the concern over Staley's absence by filling in and playing well Sunday against Dwight Freeney and the fearsome Indianapolis pass rush. Freeney finished with a sack, but it came on a stunt, and he was not squaring off against Sims at the time. Sims started eight games for the 49ers last season, but his hold on a roster spot seemed tenuous in the offseason. The team first added Marvel Smith with the thought that the former long-time Pittsburgh Steeler would be the starting right tackle in 2009. When Smith retired because of a chronic back injury, the 49ers signed Tony Pashos to play right tackle. Pashos broke his shoulder against Houston...