Before each game, coaches meet separately with the referee to discuss any possible issues that might arise. On Sunday, Ken Whisenhunt likely will bring up the controversial shift the 49ers have employed this season.

Two weeks ago, the 49ers were called for a false start when tight end Justin Peelle made a quick movement that referee Gene Steratore and crew decided was designed to draw the Redskins into a neutral-zone infraction.

It just so happened to come on a fourth-and-short play, and the penalty made coach Jim Harbaugh angry. He called it a normal shift, one the 49ers execute on other downs. He sought clarification from the NFL.

Last week, the 49ers used a similar shift against the Giants. It was third and 2, and tight end Delanie Walker abruptly got out of his three-point stance. The Giants moved, and referee Tony Corrente and crew called the penalty on the Giants, giving the 49ers a first down.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin wasn't happy with the call, saying the 49ers' intent was to deceive.

Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton and staff have tried to prepare their players for it.

"It's a cute play," Horton said, "and the league has said it's a cute play also, a legal cute play. So kudos to them for having cute plays in."

Cardinals players are coached to watch the ball, "So if they do what we say, it's not a big deal," Horton said. "I understand it's third and 1, fourth and 1, crunch game and all of a sudden a big man moves . . . cute."

Going long

Receiver Larry Fitzgerald is averaging fewer catches a game than usual this season, but he's doing more with the ones he's making.

Fitzgerald is on pace for 80 receptions, which would be his lowest total since 2006, when he missed three games with injury and had 69 catches. But Fitzgerald is averaging 17.6 yards a reception, about 4 yards more than his career average.

This season, Fitzgerald has nine receptions of more than 30 yards, including gains of 42, 47, 66 and 72 yards. He had four all of last season, and the longest was 41 yards.

"I think we've done a better job of getting him the ball in those situations this year," Whisenhunt said. "And he's made a couple of those plays where he's made spectacular catches, too. I think it's just more opportunities this year, too."

Flipping the field

The Cardinals' offensive struggles this season have contributed to their poor field position in many of their games. In the second half last week in Philadelphia, Cardinals possessions started at the 18-, 14-, 17-, 11-, 13-, 13- and 16-yard lines.

Improving upon that will be necessary to beat the 49ers, who have a strong defense and one of the league's better punters, Andy Lee.

"It is something that is going to be a struggle but we've got to continue to fight through it," Whisenhunt said. "Some of it's because we haven't done a good job of getting it out of the tight area, and we haven't done a good enough job defensively. And you know what? We've faced some pretty good punters. They've hit some bombs."

Injury update

Quarterback Kevin Kolb (toe) is listed as questionable, but Whisenhunt didn't sound optimistic about Kolb's chances of playing on Sunday. Outside linebacker Joey Porter (knee) and safety Kerry Rhodes (foot) are out.

Tight ends Todd Heap (hamstring) and Rob Housler (groin) are questionable.