Jones Is Left in Stitches

San Francisco tight end Brent Jones has announced he will retire at the end of the season, but Jones’ season almost came to an end at midfield Saturday.

Jones tried to catch a pass over the middle, but he was decked by Minnesota safety Robert Griffith, who planted a helmet directly under Jones’ chin. Jones bit his tongue on the play and cut the inside of his lower lip, while also dropping the ball.

“I lost count of how many stitches,” said Jones, struggling to talk. “Once they started shooting needles in my mouth it seemed like forever; it could have been 100.”

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The Oakland Raiders reportedly have made overtures to Philadelphia offensive coordinator Jon Gruden and New York Jet defensive coordinator Bill Belichik about replacing Joe Bugel as the team’s head coach.

Raider owner Al Davis spoke with Gruden a year ago before being convinced by his players to promote Bugel. The Dallas Cowboys are also interested in Gruden.

Dennis Green, Minnesota’s head coach, however, made a strong bid for the Raider job Saturday in 3Com Park with his team rolling up 12 penalties, giving up 394 yards and never having a chance to beat the 49ers.

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Forget about getting a new coach in Minnesota--how about a punter?

Mitch Berger booted the ball seven times against the 49ers and averaged 29.9 yards. His first punt of the day was a 12-yarder--with the wind-- which gave the 49ers’ field position at the Minnesota 26-yard line, and the opportunity to take a 7-0 lead four plays later on William Floyd’s one-yard run.

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The 49ers were the only team to go through the regular season without a wide receiver with 100 yards in receptions in a game. But against the Vikings, ranked No. 29 in stopping the pass, J.J. Stokes busted free for 101 yards on nine receptions.

The game ball probably will be sent to Canton, Ohio.