Injuries Slowing the Jaguars Down

Fred Taylor, Jacksonville’s oft-injured running back, hopes he can play against Atlanta after leaving last week’s game in the third quarter because of cramps. But all-pro left tackle Tony Boselli remains questionable because of a sprained right ankle, and right tackle Rich Tylski will be out at least four weeks because of a broken foot.

More optimistic is Jaguar quarterback Mark Brunell, who said an injury to his rib muscle will not keep him on the bench.

Though Pittsburgh’s offense has been mediocre and Kordell Stewart has struggled under Kevin Gilbride--his third coordinator in three years--the Steelers hope for a breakout against the 49ers. San Francisco ranks last in pass defense and second-to-last in points allowed.

“I guess it’s their weakness against our weakness,” Steeler running back Jerome Bettis said.

Bettis said the Steelers are getting more comfortable with Gilbride’s system.

“When we execute right, we’re going up and down the field,” Bettis said. “We feel good about it. It’s just a matter of us executing and getting in that rhythm and staying there.”