SANTA CLARA -- Safety Dashon Goldson and cornerback Shawntae Spencer both entered this season with 32-game streaks as starters in the 49ers' secondary. And they might get their chances this week to return to the lineup.The 49ers own the No. 25-ranked pass defense in the NFL after surrendering 432 yards passing and three touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys in a 27-24 overtime loss on Sunday. So they're definitely looking for upgrades.
"We're not where we want to be," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said of the pass defense.
Goldson, who last week declared himself 100-percent healthy after missing two weeks with a sore knee, did not suit up for Sunday's game. Spencer saw just one defensive snap from scrimmage after missing most of training camp with a hamstring strain.Goldson was atop the 49ers' depth chart at free safety before veteran Madieu Williams replaced him in the lineup for the final exhibition game. Goldson is expected to eventually return to the starting role when he's back in game shape.
Spencer is currently the 49ers' fourth cornerback behind Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown and Tramaine Brock. Rogers and Brown are the starters, while Brock leads the 49ers with two interceptions in two games.This will be a big week of practices for both Goldson and Spencer, Harbaugh said, as they look to earn their way back into their accustomed starting roles."They definitely have the ability and experience and license to do that," Harbaugh said. "And they'll definitely have that shot this week. Both are working their way back into the lineup, so that'll be something to really assess and look at this week."
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