The San Francisco 49ers are taking a Hail Mary shot that Alex Smith might have attempted a 20th pass Monday night, thus qualifying him for the NFL’s highest completion percentage ever in a game.
Smith officially completed 18 of 19 passes (94.7 percent) in the 49ers’ 24-3 victory at Arizona. The NFL’s official record book requires a minimum of 20 attempts to establish a single-game record for completion percentage. Kurt Warner set that standard in 2009 with the Arizona Cardinals (92.3 percent, 24 of 26).
On Tuesday, the 49ers asked the NFL’s official statistician, the Elias Sports Bureau, to review a fourth-quarter play in which wide receiver Michael Crabtree was credited with a rushing attempt rather than a catch.
“It definitely was a pass,” coach Jim Harbaugh said.
On the play, Smith threw a slightly backward pass that Crabtree caught and ran for an 8-yard gain. A backward pass is credited as a rushing attempt.
The 49ers are expecting to hear on their long shot appeal today.
RAMS SAY JACKSON WON’T BE TRADED
The St. Louis Rams say running back Steven Jackson is not available in a trade.
Coach Jeff Fisher did his best to quash the persistent rumors Tuesday.
“The Steven Jackson rumors are rumors,” Fisher said. “He’s our running back, and we’re not calling around, nor are we getting calls for that matter. Put that to rest.”
Jackson, 29, who entered the season with a franchise-record seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, is 11th in the NFC with 403 yards rushing.
EXTRA POINTS
The Jaguars traded receiver Mike Thomas to the Lions for an undisclosed draft pick. Thomas, a fourth-round draft pick out of the University of Arizona in 2009, has 13 receptions for 80 yards this season. He also has returned eight punts for 56 yards. … The Jaguars signed former Seahawks center/guard Steve Vallos. … Matt Cassel will start at quarterback for the Chiefs on Thursday against the Chargers because Brady Quinn has not been cleared to practice after suffering a concussion. Ricky Stanzi will serve as the backup. … The Buccaneers placed guard Carl Nicks, an All-Pro last season, on injured reserve because of a toe injury. … The Chargers released kicker Nate Kaeding from injured reserve, making him a free agent. … The Dolphins released receiver Anthony Armstrong, who had three catches for 12 yards this season.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.