WitP: LaBoy, Bess, Samson, Brashton, Colt

Phil Barber of Inside the 49ers writes that Travis LaBoy impressed in his 49ers debut, but is in a battle for a roster spot.

The 49ers went into last night's game against the Vikings hoping to shed some light on the situation at outside linebacker. Travis LaBoy and Diyral Briggs only clouded the issue with dual-core defensive excellence.

This team will probably carry seven or eight linebackers in 2010. Barring injury, the roster should include Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Manny Lawson, Parys Haralson, Matt Wilhelm and NaVorro Bowman. Assuming Ahmad Brooks hasn't damaged his kidney more severely than anticipated - we could find out more this week - he should be there, too.

That leaves maybe one more spot at linebacker, and Briggs and LaBoy are threatening to put on quite a show in their pursuit of the job.

The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero thinks Davone Bess will play a big part in the Dolphins' offense this season.

Bess and Fasano, both unsigned for 2011, need to perform well, want to perform well, to get contract extensions. The Dolphins want to give both of them extensions this year, a plan that could be fast-tracked if the two contribute as they did this night.

Bess, meanwhile, will work out of the slot and be Miami's version of Wes Welker -- only bigger and stronger, albeit not quicker. Bess caught three passes for 31 yards in the first half and those catches came primarily when the Dolphins needed them most -- on third down or following negative plays.

The prognosis is still pending on Samson Satele's sprained ankle.

C Samson Satele underwent X-rays on his sprained ankle Monday. Satele left Saturday's game against the Bears with the injury and Cable does not know the extent of it.

Brashton Satele talks about recovering from his sprained ankle.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, undrafted rookie free agent linebacker Brashton Satele is trying to regroup after being sidelined for most of the last three weeks with a high ankle sprain. He has been very frustrated by not being able to participate and is anxious to get on the field on Friday against the Redskins.

“I want to open the coaches’ eyes that I’m explosive on the field,” Satele said.

And a Bay Area CBS station had a short interview with Colt Brennan a few days ago.