Zak

Keasey

San Francisco’s run-blocking has been woeful all season, but Keasey is unlikely to turn that around.

The special teamer injured the forearm in Friday’s preseason game. Keasey has not been placed on IR. This injury is a non-factor in Frank Gore’s running game, as Moran Norris will be the one clearing the holes.

Keasey didn’t play too well when he was in there, either. His missed blocks resulted in two Alex Smith sacks.

Keasey broke his forearm in San Francisco’s exhibition opener. He’s a free agent, and will be on the Niners’ speed dial in case Moran Norris gets hurt.

Delanie Walker stepped in as Frank Gore’s lead blocker Sunday and Gore ran for 101 yards on 19 carries. Other options to replace Keasey are blocking TE Billy Bajema and special teamer/third tailback Michael Robinson.

This loss hurts mostly on special teams and could spur the 49ers to convert TE Delanie Walker, but Frank Gore can do just fine without a lead blocker.

The Saints appear finally to have awoken from their Super Bowl/Mardi Gras partying. Keasey, 28, becomes New Orleans’ fourth fullback under control for 2010. The Princeton graduate should at least upgrade team IQ.

It’s not yet known what caused Keasey’s suspension. All 32 have been notified by the league, and Keasey is eligible to return to action after Week 8. The fullback didn’t play at all last year, but he did spend time with the Saints this offseason.

Pressley is perhaps the group’s biggest surprise, as he racked up a solid 15 tackles in seven games off the bench down last season’s stretch. Lorenzen and Ross were undrafted free agents. Jones and Keasey were practice bodies.