The last time he suited up, Ahmad Bradshaw got the ball 30 times from scrimmage and rushed for 200 yards, both career highs. That was against the Browns. What comes next, Sunday at Candlestick Park, figures to be a far different experience, as the 49ers allow just 81.4 yards per game on the ground.
Bradshaw cannot expect another 200-yard outburst against such a formidable defense, can he?
“Expect the unexpected,’’ Bradshaw said Thursday. “With this line, there’s no telling what we can accomplish and we’re just going to go out there and give it our all.’’
Despite the huge production, Bradshaw said his career-best could have been much better.
“We left a lot of plays on the field that we could have ended up with 250, maybe 300,’’ he said. “I’m never satisfied.’’
No doubt Bradshaw would be satisfied if he could drop 200 yards on the 49ers, who probably have the best front-seven in the league.
“We like physical games,’’ he said. “I do. I think we’re up for the task and I think we’re ready for it.’’
* The Giants are getting healthier. LB Chase Blackburn (hip) returned to practice and LB Keith Rivers (hamstring) and Michael Boley (hip) were full participants. CB Corey Webster (hamstring) was limited, as was TE Martellus Benett (knee) and RT David Diehl (knee).
Rivers has missed three of the past four games dealing with the hamstring but said he has turned the corner and will play. “But we’ll see how much or whatever,’’ he said.
Asked if he can run with 49ers TE Vernon Davis, Rivers said “I can run with anybody.’’
* As expected, safety Kenny Phillips (knee) and RB Andre Brown (concussion) did not practice and neither will be able to play this weekend. It also looks as if DT Rocky Bernard (quadriceps) won’t make the trip, because he didn’t practice, either.
* Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride continues to offer grudging praise to rookie RB David Wilson.
“We’re trying to expand his role as fast as we can, but it’s a process, so we take it one day at a time,’’ Gilbride said.
* Despite the glaring lack of production from his much-hyped defensive ends, defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said, “They’ll get sacks, they’ll get hits. I have a lot of confidence in those guys. They’ll play, they’ll be fine.’’
* Former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs hurt his knee in the preseason, hasn’t played a down for his new team and when the 49ers face the Giants, Jacobs won’t be in uniform.
“I’ve got to get myself mentally ready to go out and be able to perform and help my team win,’’ Jacobs told reporters covering the 49ers. “Right now, could I go out and play? Yes. But would it be smart? No.”