ABSTRACT:

ATLANTA – This figured to be a difficult assignment for the 49ers at full strength, but on the very first play in yesterday’s NFC divisional playoff game against the Falcons, the Niners lost Garrison Hearst, who could be viewed as their most indispensable player after Steve Young.

Hearst cruised past the line of scrimmage and gained seven yards before defensive end Chuck Smith reached out and tried to strip the ball away.