Updated

Glenn Dorsey quickly emerged as a stabilizing force in the middle of San Francisco's dominant, imposing defensive line.

An emergency fill-in at first, Dorsey has made significant strides each week that tell him and his coaches he is becoming comfortable with the defensive scheme and his technique in San Francisco's system.

For a sixth-year veteran who arrived uncertain of landing a starting job, Dorsey worked quietly until called upon to take a larger role. He took over at nose tackle after Ian Williams' season ended with a broken left ankle in Week 2 at Seattle.

Dorsey sacked Russell Wilson that day, his first with the 49ers.

San Francisco is counting on him to put the pressure on again Sunday when the Seahawks (11-1) come to Candlestick Park.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org