Yes, we are persevering through some tough times in a sense mostly (IMO) due to some injuries, but there is a silver lining.  When that final stretch of the season comes, there is a good chance that a lot of the players who are missing time now such as Reggie, Sharper, Porter, PT, Ingram,Harper,  Prioleau et al will not be as worn down and won't be limping into the playoffs, assuming we get there.  We have been fortunate that many of these injuries are not  season - ending ( although not so fortunate re: Reis,Casillas,  Hill, Hamilton, Mallei, etc).

The other positive thing about the situation is that we have some reserves who, with the increased amount of playing time and experience, can really raise their level of play.  I think Payton etal have done a good job having the right blend of young players with a lot of potential and some veterans mixed in, that  can grow and have the best games they've ever had in the NFL. I think players like Jenkins, Ivory, Young, Patrick Robinson, Dunbar, etc are showing signs of really becoming true bonafide NFL players and are groing into being on the same level as other starters in the league.  Without the injuries, their progression might be either non-existent or slower.

The next player I hope to see get a chance and make the most of his playing time is Reggie Jones. He caught my eye in pre-season and I hope he will eventually be a starter as I predict.  Hopefully this will not happen as a the result of someone else's injury.  All we have to do is keep winning, even if it's by one or two points, so we have to be patient. If you look at the schedule, this is the perfect time to weather theses injuries if they are going to occur. We can beat the next 3 teams if we play well ( have to play well, though they aren't gimmees), then we play Pittsburgh and we should be closer to full capacity then.  Also, we can't look past teams like Ariz and Tampa, thinking about the Pitt game. Then the bye week is soon after that.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.!!