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Posted at 1:21 a.m., Sunday, July 29, 2007

NFL: Ex-UH star Lelie of 49ers to return from injury

By Dennis Georgatos
San Jose Mercury News

Former University of Hawaii wide receiver Ashley Lelie, a free-agent acquisition by the San Francisco 49ers, said the quadriceps strain that kept him out of virtually all of minicamp and organized team activities is much better, and he anticipates practicing today.

Asked if he was now "100 percent," Lelie said, "It feels close to that. I expect to practice. I can't wait to get out there and just play football."

Meanwhile, fellow wide receiver Darrell Jackson said he's awaiting an examination today of his toe injury to determine when or if he'll be able to start practicing.

Jackson was acquired in a draft-weekend trade with Seattle, but was unable to take part in the May minicamp or the team's organized training activities last month because of chronic soreness in the toe. The same injury forced him to miss his last three regular-season games in Seattle.

"I'm going to wait and see what they say when I take a physical," Jackson said. "I'm going to take it slow with this thing. It will be all right. We'll get through it. It's nothing but a little pain. It's football, right? Hopefully, the first game of the season, I'm ready to go."

In other 49er news:

— Former University of Mississippi linebacker Patrick Willis, the 49ers' top draft choice, remained unsigned, but negotiations continued in hopes of reaching a deal before the start of training camp practices today.

"I am not a percentage guy as to how close we are, but we continue to talk," Coach Mike Nolan said. "The contract will be worked out as expeditiously as possible. I know Patrick is working hard and getting a grasp of our system. Patrick will be a 49er. He will get great coaching, and he will be a San Francisco 49er for a long time."

The agent for Willis, Ben Dogra, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Willis is the only remaining unsigned player from the 49ers' nine-member draft class. Players must be signed in order to report to camp.

The 49ers are counting on Willis to make an impact this season. He's expected to be part of the 49ers' third-down defensive packages, where his speed and athleticism could be used in coverage or to strengthen blitzes. He's also expected to push inside linebacker Derek Smith for playing time in the base 3-4 defense.

— Right guard Justin Smiley, facing a challenge from David Baas for the starting job, said his surgically repaired shoulder has healed and he's been cleared by the team's medical staff to resume practicing.

Smiley, whose name has been bandied about in trade rumors, played much of last season with a torn labrum. He underwent shoulder surgery in January.

Baas took the first-team practice repetitions during minicamp and in OTAs while Smiley went through rehabilitation.

"He's gained some valuable experience with me being out, but nothing has changed" on the depth chart, Smiley said. "Dave has to take the spot from me."

Smiley added he welcomed the competition, figuring it would make him, Baas, and the team better as a whole.

"My motto has always been, `You run your fastest when somebody's chasing you,"' said Smiley. "I know I'll be a better player because Dave wants to be a better player. He wants to be a starter and eventually he will be."