Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler left the Broncos' game with the 49ers after taking a hit from Anthony Adams early in the second quarter on Sunday. He was replaced by Jake Plummer.

So maybe the 49ers weren't good enough to make the playoffs after all. Coach Mike Nolan already suspected that, even if he never acknowledged it to his players, and he's already at work making sure those dreams are more realistic next season. After losing 26 games in the previous two years, and after a 2006 season that included losses by 41, 31 and 29 points, the 49ers finally were eliminated from postseason contention in the mediocre NFC. But Nolan won't allow his players to neglect their rebuilding project for even one week. San Francisco finishes the season by visiting Denver, who can clinch a playoff spot with a victory.

Left tackle Jonas Jennings dislocated his right shoulder in the 49ers' game against Arizona on Sunday. Jennings was injured during a running play late in the first quarter. He remained face-down on the ground, kicking his legs in pain, until team doctors escorted him to the locker room.

Matt Leinart sprained his left shoulder in the Cardinals' game against the 49ers on Sunday, ending the quarterback's strong rookie season one game early. Leinart was hurt when Roderick Green sacked him on third down during a drive that ended in Neil Rackers' 39-yard field goal with 1:57 left in the second quarter. Leinart went to the locker room after the hit, and returned to the sideline in street clothes as Kurt Warner finished off the Cardinals' 26-20 victory.

Antonio Bryant was suspended for four games Friday for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, dealing a blow to the 49ers' faint playoff hopes.

San Francisco lost starting center Eric Heitmann to a broken right leg midway through the first quarter Thursday night. Heitmann broke his right tibia with 6:13 left in the first on a 2-yard run by Frank Gore. Heitmann was down on the field for several minutes before being taken to the locker room on a cart.

Alex Smith's fourth-quarter play was reminiscent of former San Francisco quarterbacks. Keeping the 49ers' slim playoff hopes alive, Smith threw a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes and San Francisco prevented the Seattle Seahawks from clinching the NFC West with a surprising 24-14 win Thursday night.

A few injuries suffered during Week 14 action could have a impact on several contests this week, starting with the 49ers-Seahawks game on Thursday night. Seattle, which clinches the NFC West with a win, will be without wide receiver Darrell Jackson.

With Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood hobbled by injuries, the Falcons signed former Carolina and San Francisco running back Jamal Robertson on Wednesday. Robertson adds depth to a backfield that might be without its top two tailbacks for Saturday night's crucial game against the Cowboys.

Mike Holmgren had two of his best players miss games with injuries this season. Yet the Seahawks are still on the verge of winning their third straight NFC West title. The defending NFC champions can clinch the division crown with a win over the 49ers on Thursday night. Reigning rushing champion Shaun Alexander missed six games with a broken bone in his foot and Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was sidelined for four games with a sprained knee ligament. But Seattle owns a comfortable three-game lead over the 49ers and Rams in the NFC West.