Jim Tomsula says San Francisco 49ers might make lineup changes

SANTA CLARA, Calif -- Coach Jim Tomsula of the San Francisco 49ers has been adamant in previous weeks that there would be no lineup changes.

In the wake of Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers, he changed his tune a bit Monday, saying nothing is imminent, but he wouldn't rule them out at this point.

The biggest point of concern is in the offensive line. The right side has been a big problem area, especially the right guard position, where newcomer Jordan Devey has been starting.

Tomsula could move left guard Alex Boone, last year's starter at right guard, back over there, but that take way from the team's strength on the left side of the line.

The coach could slide center Marcus Martin one spot to the right, a position he played quite a bit in the preseason, and give waiver-wire claim Nick Easton a shot a center.

Or maybe Brandon Thomas, drafted to be a potential star last season while he was rehabbing a knee injury, is ready to shine?

"It can't be an emotional decision," Tomsula insisted. "You have to think your way through it. We're trying to make sure we're thinking our way through it. We are in the middle of that right now."

--Wide receiver Torrey Smith, who caught two passes for 54 yards against the Packers, obviously thought he could have contributed more.

Smith was seen expressing his frustration on and off the field on more than one occasion, clearly believing the 49ers weren't taking advantage of the Packers' man-to-man coverage.

Afterward, the veteran bit his tongue a bit.

"We have to get it together as a unit," Smith said. "It's not always the offensive line's fault. It's not always Kap (quarterback Colin Kaepernick). We have to all be in sync on these plays to make it happen."

Smith was targeted seven times in the Week 2 loss at Pittsburgh, producing six catches for 120 yards and a touchdown.

In the other three games, he's been targeted a total of only 10 times, with three catches for 65 yards.

"We need to get him more involved," Tomsula said. "That's on the checklist."

--Quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a more conservative approach to Sunday's game against Green Bay and the result was only one interception after having thrown four in the Week 3 loss at Arizona. But being cautious also led to six sacks, as opposed to two in the Arizona game. All told, Kaepernick's 55.4 passer rating was markedly better than his 16.7 the week before.

--The 49ers didn't do a good job completing quick-hitting throws against the Packers' blitz Sunday.

Perhaps not coincidentally, the club worked out a big, strong target Monday -- former quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

The 49ers have completed only 11 passes in four games to wideouts other than Smith and Anquan Boldin.

--Running back Carlos Hyde was supposed to have more room to run than in the 49ers' previous two games, but it didn't work out that way Sunday against Green Bay. He carried the ball only eight times for a season-low 20 yards as the 49ers gave up on the run game early in the 17-3 loss.

--Running back Jarryd Hayne retained his job as primary punt returner despite RB/PR Reggie Bush's return to the lineup Sunday. Hayne totaled 12 yards on three returns against the Green Bay Packers.

--Wide receiver Quinton Patton sustained a concussion in Sunday's loss to Green Bay. He must undergo the NFL's protocol for concussions in order to be cleared to play Sunday night against the New York Giants. Patton recorded a career-best 53 yards on two catches against the Packers.

--Guard Jordan Devey played all 50 offensive snaps at right guard in Sunday's loss to Green Bay. In fact, all five starters on the offensive line played every offensive snap of the game. 49ers coach Jim Tomsula indicated the club will consider changes in the line before the Week 5 matchup with the New York Giants.

--Tight end Vernon Davis (bruised knee) did not play in the loss to Green Bay. The injury is not considered to be serious, and he is expected to try to return to practice this week leading into the Week 5 matchup with the New York Giants.

--Ooutside linebacker Ahmad Brooks recorded the 42nd sack of his career in Sunday's loss to Green Bay. The sack was the veteran's first of the season.

--Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch had the first multi-sack game of his career Sunday against Green Bay, recording two of the 49ers' three against Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Lynch has recorded six sacks in his last seven home games.

--Cornerback Keith Reaser saw time at linebacker in some new defensive alignments in Sunday's loss to Green Bay. He played only 10 total snaps in the game, losing time at cornerback to S Jimmie Ward.

--Safety Jimmie Ward was used as the 49ers' primary defender on slot receivers Sunday against Green Bay. He played a season-high 62 defensive snaps after having totaled only 54 in the club's first three games.