Shawntae

Spencer

The athletic Pittsburgh grad had a solid debut versu the Falcons on Sunday.

The 49ers secondary, already very thin, could ill afford to lose another member. It’s a great weekend to play Jake Delhomme, Muhsin Muhammad, and Keary Colbert.

The Raiders signed Ronald Bartell Friday, but still lack depth at corner after releasing Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Spencer could push 2011 draft pick Demarcus Van Dyke if signed.

The 30-year-old is staying in the Bay Area after starting 72-of-98 games over the past eight years with San Francisco. Spencer was often a game-day inactive last season after losing his starting job in training camp. Spencer joins former Rams veteran Ron Bartell in a rebuilt cornerback corps. Tracy Porter is scheduled to visit Oakland as well.

Ronald Bartell is locked in on one side, while Spencer is a good bet to hold off Demarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa on the other. Remember that Spencer fell off the map in San Francisco, tumbling down the depth chart until he was cut in March. Expect the Raiders to be in plenty of shootouts once again this season.

Beat writer Vittorio Tafur suggests Spencer may already be a “concern for coaches,” he’s covering so poorly. Meanwhile, second-year corner Demarcus Van Dyke has had a strong camp and picked off a pass in Friday’s practice. If Spencer doesn’t pan out, DVD or Chimdi Chekwa could steal his starting job.

The extent is unknown, but foot sprains can sideline players for months or be as small as day-to-day injuries. It sounds like Spencer’s is of the former variety. The Raiders are already minus top cornerback Ronald Bartell (broken shoulder) for the next 3-5 weeks, so they’ll likely sign another cover guy off the street this week. Target this defense for fantasy passing-game matchups.

Oakland will continue to trot out Michael Huff and Pat Lee as starting corners. Joselio Hanson has been the nickel back. The Chiefs’ offense has looked so dysfunctional with Brady Quinn under center that we’re skeptical they’ll take advantage. Taking Barnes’ place has been second-year UDFA Willie Smith.

Spencer has been out since Week 2. Michael Huff will continue to fill in at cornerback opposite Pat Lee, and Matt Giordano will start at Huff’s free safety spot. The Falcons are licking their chops at the sight of Oakland’s depleted secondary.

Spencer started the first two games of the season but has been out ever since with a sprained foot. Michael Huff and Ronald Bartell will now be the starting corners after the release of Pat Lee on Saturday. Spencer is a free agent after the season.