Sean Payton called a report that he felt slighted when Jim Harbaugh didn't call him in the preseason "bogus" and insisted there is no bad blood between the coaches. The Saints radio play-by-play man cited the phantom phone call as the reason why defensive coordinator Gregg Williams blitzed so much against the 49ers in the Aug. 12 preseason opener.
"I wish I was wearing a mic," an incredulous Payton said. "Because I don't think I've ever turned to (Williams) and said, let's bring on the blitz now. Just think about the idea of that - this phone call, this mysterious phone call that we were expecting, is crazy. If there ever was a time in the preseason, it's usually the fourth preseason game that you might make a decision in regards to what you may or may not do. But I know Jim and certainly worked with his brother very well. It was a bogus report now and it's crazy we're talking about it."
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Justin Smith, Chris Culliver and Carlos Rogers were in uniform and taking part at the beginning of practice after sitting out last week's sessions. Ray McDonald (hamstring) was with the defensive linemen but was not in uniform. Delanie Walker (jaw) was working out on a side field.
Other recently injured 49ers, including Ted Ginn, Bruce Miller and Kyle Williams, also seemed to be full go, although Williams (concussion) still was wearing a black practice jersey that signals he is to avoid contact. Neither the 49ers nor Saints are required to file a participation report until Wednesday.
-- Matt Barrows








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