Here’s the 49ers 53-man roster
QB: Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Scott Tolzien
OL: Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Jonathan Goodwin, Alex Boone, Anthony Davis, Leonard Davis, Daniel Kilgore, Joe Looney
RB: Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, Brandon Jacobs, Anthony Dixon, LaMichael James, Bruce Miller
WR: Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, Kyle Williams, Ted Ginn Jr., A.J. Jenkins
TE: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Garrett Celek
DL: Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, Isaac Sopoaga, Ricky Jean Francois, Will Tukuafu, Ian Williams, Demarcus Dobbs
OLB: Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson
ILB: Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, Larry Grant, Tavares Gooden
CB: Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver, Perrish Cox, Tramaine Brock
S: Dashon Goldson, Donte Whitner, C.J. Spillman, Trenton Robinson, Darcel McBath
K: David Akers
P: Andy Lee
LS: Brian Jennings
These are the players who were cut: Josh Johnson, Kenny Rowe, Ilaika Alama-Francis, Kyle Nelson, Michael Wilhoite, Chris Owusu, Nathan Palmer, Joe Holland, Cam Johnson, Tony Jerrod-Eddie, Kenny Wiggins, Derek Hall, Michael Person, Al Netter, Brett Swain, Michael Thomas, Eric Bakhtiari, Matthew Masifilo, Anthony Mosley, Rock Cartwright, Konrad Reuland.
Colin Jones was traded for a 7th round pick.
Four surprising things:
- Josh Johnson got cut. He had a 115.3 QB rating in the preseason, and he was one of the best players on the field against the San Diego Chargers Thursday night.
- Scott Tolzien made the team. He had a 41.9 QB rating in preseason. He seemed less talented than Johnson.
- Rock Cartwright got cut. He ran well in the preseason, and he was supposed to be the replacement for special teams ace Blake Costanzo. The Niners won’t have a veteran leader on their special teams unit this year. The Niners chose to keep Anthony Dixon instead. Dixon is younger, bigger and cheaper.
- Undrafted tight end Garrett Celek made the team. He dropped a lot of passes in training camp, but he made a nice 37-yard catch against the Chargers.
49ers RSS feed
Loading ...
Absolutely stunned that JJ got cut. Maybe the coaches know more than I do.
Not stunned at all about JJ being cut, JH put him on display so that the rest of the NFL can see him play. He should be a legitimate # 2 on most NFL teams with the possibility of being number 1. It does not matter who the third string Qb is.
JJ is good enough to be at least a legitimate #2, which is all the more surprising that he was cut. I had expected the 49ers to hang on to him and trade him for another position with some AFC or non-division team.
couldn’t be a #2 for miami….
he doesn’t have touch….
tolzein does and he is a good anticipator…..
kap showed some improved skills this training camp…
if he can read defenses then he is a legit #2……if not and AS goes down i think tolzein is a better answer than JJ
seems like a solid decision to me
Like that touch pass to the San Diego D lineman? Haha
Well nick
The pass was easy to catch. So easy a DL could do it. Upsetting our WR’s couldn’t as well.
That pass was horrible, Lol.
Domingo,
I guess thats why Harbaugh makes the big bucks. He makes the tough choices. Josh can hope to eb a number 2 somewhere else. He’s got some film to work with. Those overthrown deep balls must have killed him. Upward and onward. Green Bay next. Go Niners!
Sorry J23…. I know you liked you some JJ. If its any consolation I was half wrong. I guess 4 qb’s wasnt on the list, But I did say I would have kept ST. Cheers Brotha! Oh and are you going to the home opener? I know I already asked, but didnt look up if you answered.
MD,
Definitely going and coming to look you up too bro. Gotta beat Green Bay down 1st!
My deepest sympathy 23jordan, your boy put up a good fight, but he didn’t last the last round.. Maybe next time around..he’ll be a starter on another team, that desperately needs a second hand QB.
It wasen’t the missed deep throws, he just don’t have it.. The NFL is not just being good one game and next game you suck..
..ha ha ha ha……JJ got cut…..ha ha ha…..lmao……..
…no doubt, JJ will get picked up……he is better than lots of other backups in the league……
I thought they would at least get a trade done for their fourth QB.
@eb
As I told hof earlier, trades are rare. Don’t expect a lot right now. GM’s hold onto picks like it was their lifeblood now. Come draft day, they let it flow, and trade freely. Strange, yes. But nobody thought to even take a shot at L. Grant in exchange for a 6th round pick and the guy is starter material. By the way, we cut our 6th round pick, so the quality of player you expect to get isn’t near LG quality. Nobody went for him. That tells you a lot about GM’s trading players. They trade picks more frequently. But picks for players, they are reluctant.
I think this tells you how the league views JJ. He had no trade value with the QBs who were already cut. The league isn’t geared or ready for a mobile QB. By the league I mean the owners who sign the checks. You give the QB 360lb lineman because you are protecting a 7 million dollar a year investment. A mobile QB is just too risky. You can’t get the owners on board for that. And as Michael vick has shown, you can’t turn a mobile QB into a pocket passer. Their pocket clock runs too slow and they take the rib crushing hits that take them out of the game each season.
Nick, Now , what are you going to do, now that JJ got cut?
Well if you start with the notion that ST isn’t good, and now that JJ was cut, you are forced to conclude JJ is worse than bad.
That is why you don’t put down players of the same position to raise up others. It forces your hand to conclude the opposite of what you said.
I would hope so.
This roster looks very good. It’s got to be very difficult decisions to make when the coaches know these athletes on a personal level. I can only imagine that the coaches don’t like this time of year and take it hard when telling the players they didn’t make the team. Some of these guys will be picked up due to the fact they know the 9ers are loaded (see article on NFL.com) and released some very talented guys.
Bring on Green Bay!
Yup. I’m ready!!
Hofer,
Was the only miss on your 53 Colin Jones?
Jack, I missed on GCelek. As we debated a couple of days ago, I thought DDobbs and LDavis could be used as multi position TE backups. I thought they would carry 9 OL and then drop one to the PS if they needed to pick up a OLB or DB. It was an interesting day.
Hofer,
It was interesting today, and should be interesting again tomorrow starting at 9am. My guess is you will see that 9th, and probably 10th OL added tomorrow as part of the PS.
Celek was a guy I liked when they first signed because he was pretty good at MSU, but he had a very quiet offseason. Would be cool to see him stick and grow in the system. Dobbs and L Davis will still find their way into heavy packages too I think.
It has been a fun offseason watching this team come together, and now can’t wait until next Sunday.
“and now can’t wait until next Sunday.”
That’s 9 long days!
Grant, weird question do you know if Cooper Helfet made Seattle? I cant find it.
Adam,
The following players have been waived with the designation of injured: Cooper Helfet, Vai Taua
http://www.fieldgulls.com/2012/8/31/3282426/league-wide-nfl-roster-cutdown-to-53-today-open-thread
According to PFT he was waved-injured.
Thanks, DAMNN
Acquaintance of yours, Adam?
Junior college friend. Played together. He is a beast
Grant. I think there are many leaders on the special team. Especially since all of them are back except for two (Constanzo left in FA and Jones just got traded) Dixon will probably be one of those veteran leaders you are talking about.
Where the heck is Masifilo?????
49ers have too much depth on the D line. Masifilo is another guy I hope catches on somewhere – I liked his motor in that last game.
He made a number of plays in the last game.
Four of our seven draft picks made the team. One more then I thought before the draft. Jenkins, James, Looney, Robinson are the four. Not sure if this roster is set in stone. Bring on the Packers – yes
Only surprise is Celek. Good luck to all our former Niners. Some maybe picked up on practice squad. Dolphins released four WRs.
I am flabbergasted at the Celek move. He dropped everything in the first games. He’s quicker than Reuland, but that’s about it.
He seems quicker. I read somewhere that Celek is a better blocker than Rueland.
His brother is a clutch performer on the Eagles and you know he’s got some “it” factor if you’ve seen his girlfriend. He probably just has massive potential and hasn’t been coached properly to this point, and we know Harbaugh knows what to do with talent at that position.
Yeah, I just read he’s a better blocker too. Likewise, he’ll perhaps be replaced once Dobbs comes back healthy.
Meanwhile, like Snowlovan said, he’ll probably be developed. Still…dropping everything…?
PENDING trade in the next 48 hours
Won’t be starting the season with 3 OLB. Garrett Celek will be cut for the trade.
I’m not stunned we lost any of the players that we did. I expect Owusu and Palmer to make the PS should they make it through waivers.
I’m reasonably sure that it was a numbers game at QB and recognizing that if they let Tolzien go in a gamble to get him onto the PS that would not have fared any better. I’m sure Johnson understands that and that he has the best chance of any of the backups to make a roster and be a Starter. Arizona is gonna be looking to fill a spot at the QB position possibly if Kolb doesn’t make their roster due to the money he’s going to be making. You make that much, you’re a Starter or someone is gone. Either you($$$) or the guy you answer to. Someone WILL be gone. :)
I’m glad Dixon got another chance with this team. I’ve always liked what he brought to the table and imho with a solid line would have been a solid CoP Back behind Frank. But the Front Office wanted him to be a Power Back. He’s not built like one imho. Those guys have BEEFY thighs and broad shoulders and are able to withstand punishing blows from DBs’ who don’t know how to wrap a guy up. Guys like Alstot, Bettis, Woods, Campbell etc. The guys that you can call for a Draw and they’ll just PUNISH the first and second Defenders they run into. Play to a player’s strengths when you have the luxury of doing it. Call for pitches, sweeps and counters and let the man develop his patience as he becomes confident at this level of play. The previous HNWIC that ran things with this team didn’t understand this. They wanted a guy who would follow behind Frank to BE another Frank. Well we got that guy too now. So I say let Dix be Dix and call plays to go with that. Call the inside stuff after he’s gashed em a couple 2 or 3 times. Defenses have to adjust to us not the other way round now. ^_^
Ceadderman
Kolb was just paid a lot of money. I’d agree if he wasn’t but he was.
That’s my point. If Kolb can’t win the Starting job outright in Arizona they should just cut him and get someone who can. But that’s why they didn’t have a winning record last year. If they’re content to go with Kolb I’ma laugh my butt off because that horse don’t run. Skelton is a better QB than Kolb.
You know me, you know I’m straight up Faithful but can you imagine Johnson throwing bombs to Fitzgerald? I could see it which was why I mention it. :_)
I can believe LF doing that with any QB. The guy is a stud. That’s why I wished we had him. Him, VD together, the NFL would have to change their rules. Giving the opponent 10 free points to start every game, because we would tear up any defense with that pair.
Grant
QB rating in the preseason is not telling of a lot of things. No game planning. More intuitive/risk taker type players will look better than the more cerebral kind.
But come real games, the athletic QB loses a lot of these advantages. Playing against a scrub and making him look foolish is alot easier than making PW look foolish. Which backup QB’s basically play against in the preseason.
Agree DS, also ST had probably 7 or more dropped passes. I am sure JH took that into account .
ST seems to have bad luck. I wonder if he’s got an ex-girlfriend who was into witchcraft who is pissed at him cursing his WR’s fpr life with drops.
Our WR’s looked great last night. I don’t think a throw had to be squeezed in their with any QB. CK/ST/JJ had WR’s who actually got seperation. Especially AJ.
DS – I have suspicion that JH opened up the play book a little bit after that poor showing on Sunday. I think there is much more to come.
undercenter
I’ve thoght about that. But I don’t see it like that.
This game was going to determine the QB #3. If you don’t throw it a lot (see game 3), you can’t determine any QB skill besides hand-off skills.
For the most part, the offensive weapons we have weren’t on display at all (FG/MC/RM/MM/VD) or very little (KH).
So, by design, we were going to pass more here. And last week, JH only got the starters snaps revealing nothing. At no point did we reveal a thing with the players who will play a lot.
Agreed. Tolzien did have a number of his passes dropped and while Josh looked good this game he looked average or worse the other games, albeit small samples.
I think Josh lost out: 1. because he’s a bit inconsistent and 2. because he was behind the learning curve. ST had an extra year of exposed on him.
JJ is slow in his passing and throws a weak ball — he can throw it a mile but it just floats along. He looked good because his receivers looked great. Not a lot of accuracy and he stunk out the joint when he started in TB…
I think JH liked the fact that ST was always around the team facilities last year.
Yeah, it doesn’t matter if you can throw it a mile when you’re receiver is only half a mile a away and you can’t hit him.
JJ had one good deep pass to AJ and that was it. He didn’t get any other deep pass within 5 yards of his receivers, including this past game. The long TD was a short pass w/YAC.
What JJ had 4 f- years thats he was expose at Tampa ! Its just remarkable how some people thinks that JJ was impressive, I think this guys is so overrated..Even his old coach that thought him teh ropes think so..
49er man. Did JJ punk you in the past? Let it go dude. He’s not a 49er now. You did enough hatin when he was. Take it easy!
They played against the same competition with the same players and JJ out performed ST through out the preseason; doubled his QB Rating and produced points while ST produced no points and had multiple turnovers. JJ being cut and keeping ST is classic WB-Affirmative Action and represents the type of acts that have a way of boomeranging.
JJ should have never signed with this team and JH should not have given him the impression that he had a chance to make the team. He could have signed with another team from the beginning. Players are humans and appreciate fairness. I don’t think that ST will be beloved by this team given that he is only on the team because of WB-Affirmative Action. For had it been about production and fairness, he would have been cut!
I despise the Packers and have been a 49er fan for over 40 years. I was down with Brody and Gene Washington. There is absolutely nothing that I like about the Packers. The organization is located in one of the most racist states in the union. Despite having a far less population of Blacks than Cook County Illinois, Wisconsin incarcerates more. Other than the players, the only Blacks in GB are located in a heavily populated prison imprisoning mostly Blacks. But there is one thing that I despise more than the GB Packers; and that is WB-Afirmative Action.
Yes racism thats gotta be why they kept Scott, and I bet it just hurt the front office so much that they couldn’t find any other white guys to replace all the other players too.
Niner fan for 40+ years you say.
Well, didn’t much pay attention to all the the racial/political stances SF citizens have taken have you?
This racism excuse is pathetic. Haters describe you perfectly if you think race has anything to do with this or any other Niner (NFL) player position for quite some time now.
Peak outside once in awhile and see the world has changed. You need to change with it.
Wow! Bitter much? Leave the racism to ds.
md
KKK King. You are the one who hates immigrants.
Just you bs. And that immigrant onelame.
Let’s face it,keeping 6 rb’s and 6 wr’s was going to cut numbers somewhere else and it did. That being said, the only real ‘surprises’ are TE Celek and S McBath over a backup OT and a 4th OLB. And Ian Williams is a pleasent surprise.But a legit arggument can be made for McBath, Celek and Williams since Goldson, Walker and Sopoaga will all be unrestricted free agents next year.
Since only 3 olb’s were kept I guess Aldon is 100% healthy and ready to go. Bring on the real games!
I guess, but only 3 OLBs is scary. Perhaps putting one of the cuts on the PS is the plan and most likely none of the guys we had will be picked up by anyone.
I’m not happy that there is only three OLBs on the roster again. We were lucky last season. I’m not so sure the luck will continue at that position.
MidWest,
This is the final 53 today, the Niner’s will check to see who is available from other teams and that final 53 will be changing before game day.
I think Cam Johnson will pop up on the practice squad.
positions know Neal. Still, considering the fact that the OLB position was pounded by the injury bug during the preseason, I’m surprised they didn’t keep an extra OLB on the roster today.
That should be I know Neal. This phone is annoying.
Do you have an iPhone? Their “auto-correct” should be called “automatic vertical fornication”.
Nope. An Android. It was fine until two updates ago. Since then it keeps “correcting” what I post.
MidWest,
The 49ers will spend a lot of time in their nickle and dime packages this year. They have Haralson, Dobbs, Tukuafu, and RJF to help spell Brooks and A Smith if needed.
Don’t know about Dobbs — he looks pretty bent…
Fangio said that it would be hard to teach Dobbs the OLB position due to him learning to play on offense. That’s not very comforting.
In the Nickel and Dime Dobbs plays rush end. He doesn’t need to know how to play OLB.
Also Jack. Dobbs has a high learning curve. I bet Grant could be used on the outside also.
I hope so guys. I just don’t have a good feeling being thin at that position. There and OT.
MidWest,
There are 3 OT’s on the 53 man roster, and they will add 1 or 2 to the PS today.
One of those tackles is the starting RG Jack. I wonder who will be added to the PS.
I know that MidWest. They have added Netter, and Wiggins to the PS.
I just now learned about the PS. Good list. It’s a shame we don’t have Owusu on the squad. Best of luck to him.
JJ received 350K from 49ers …not bad a little over a month of work. JJ should thank JH for bringing him here to show case his talent. He’ll get picked up by other teams soon.
Exactly what I said, haha. I completely missed your comment
Ah yes…
.
Pretty much panned out as I thought it would although I feel bad for Bakhtiari. JJ will end up somewhere, his old coach put a big wad of jingle in his pocket and sent him on his way. Colin will be the starter next year and Tolzien will be our Matt Flynn. Life goes on.
That’s actually pretty insightful. I like the idea of Tolzein being the Matt Flynn. He will be great trade material. Only one problem. Exactly when shall we showcase him? We will need to be winning some game by 90 points for him to ever get in and show how “great” he can be to get his trading power up.
Mcbath and celeck are not gonna be on the roster. I’m actually disappointed about Cartwright but I didn’t like his body language after he didn’t gain many yards. He began pointing at his lineman and surprise-surprise it was his last carry of the game. I’m worried about our special teams but in harbaugh I trust
You noticed that too, eh? I wondered what he was complaining about.
I still don’t understand keeping Celek. Was Dobbs that bad or is he just not healthy enough right now and they will cut Celek later when Dobbs can play?
Someone else mentioned he might be groomed to replace Walker, since Walker is a restricted free agent next year, but if he can’t catch, why keep or groom him for anything?
Who the heck is Celek and why did he beat out the German rapper???
Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?
Wait a minute… wasn’t Falco Austrian?
Falco…. Lol rock me Amadeus aaaand the original singer of kommissar…. After the fire took it worldwide. Some 80′s music knowledge for your a$$es. Lol
I’m not too surprised that Johnson got cut, but he’ll probably catch on somewhere. On the bright side, the man got $350k for a few months of practice and preseason. Not a bad living at all.
I wish they would have kept Cartwright over Dixon.
lol ..wise men think alike ?
or if your thinking the same is anyone really thinking?
In thinking about this practice squad stuff, I think there should be a rule change here. I think one of the eight should/could be any player regardless of NFL exerience. In other words could be a vet of 10 years. Any thoughts to this?
I think you are on to something. I also think you should be able to carry 60 players on the roster ans suit up all of them. I mean, why fool around?
If not 60 at least suit up all 53 would be good.
undercenter
It’s a lot better than it is for soccer. Only 3 subs all game long and you basically have a full team on the bench just sitting there for no reason. Why not sub in more?
Among the big sports, football has the best rules in terms of subs/dressing of players.
This brings me to one of my biggest pet peeves about the NFL. The 53 man roster, 46 game day, 8 practice squad is so outdated. I know that the cap has been flat for a couple of years and will be for the next few, but it has gone up overall in the last 5 years or so. With the big push on player protection, and mandatory ‘time off for bad behavior’ the teams need to have more players on hand, more to develop and a way to move players back and forth from the practice squad. A 58 man roster with 50 on gameday and a 6 man practice squad would be about right. The reason the NFL does not let the full squad suit up is because teams that have a lot of injuries could be outmaned number wise on gameday. My idea would address those concerns.
Also, I am glad we got rid of Colin Jones, and even got something in return. That guy sucked. McBath earned a spot, that’s for sure.
OK, let’s have a show of hands. Who had Garrett Celek making the 53 man roster?
He’s pretty much the only real surprise, isn’t he?
Yes, and to a lesser degree McBath.
Celek was indeed a surprise.
I didn’t even think Celek would make the practice squad.
I feel that Celek’s spot will be short lived. I really don’t see him sticking
Who’s Celek?
Magnum PI
So he carries a 45 and has the perfect Moustache? lol
He must have looked great in camp because I do not remember one play that really stood out to me that he has great talent, Maybe they are looking at linebackers that were let go elsewhere, Going to be intersting!
JH uses a lot of TE sets so if one goes down then he’s using a converted DE in Dobbs. Probably wants a 3rd full time TE for injury insurance. He sticks.
Good point, Dave. Dobbs & L. Davis have some limitations with their strengths, but Celek is more of a ‘real’ TE. Still, he may be the sacrifice if an opportunity comes along since we’re thin at OLB & OL. The 2 OL and Cam on the PS help that somewhat. With 7 DL on active, keeping 2 more on PS must be developmental thinking.
I had him as one of the sleepers, but I thought he had less of a chance than my other sleepers.
He may be gone before next week.
There’s really only 2 questions that anyone should be asking. Why in the hell don’t you have it as one of your surprising things that Tramaine Brock made the team and What pictures of which coach does Brock have in his possession that allowed him to make the team?
Great comment! I worry about him being on the field against Aarron Rodgers, It could be ugly if their is no pass rush!
My take on Brock is that you don’t cut someone until you have an equal or better (or equal w/ more upside) replacement. We don’t yet.
They didn’t keep Purvis or Nelms, so I guess they think Brock is better.
If u guys actually watched the game closely this is an obvious choice, tolzien had horrible recieving that brought his numbers way down. Soooooo many drops it was ridiculous
It happened in all 4 games. Kinda freaky.
The guy simply isn’t that good, which is why he wasn’t drafted.
I am not surprised that Tolzien made the team. They want him to develop for another year or two. This way by the time Alex’s contract is up, there will be 3 QBs who can start and run the offense competing for the job. I still think Tolzien is projecting to take over before Caep. He seems to possess not only the talent, but the leadership and work ethic that JH wants at the helm of the offense.
Grant, I (and many others) told you when Rock Cartwright was signed, that he would not supplant any of the RBs on the roster. Dixon IS already a special team ace, and now that he’s finally running down hill. He can push for reps as a “pounder” but he also brings so much more upside as a multi-use player. Dixon maybe poised to break out a bit this year!
On to Green Bay! This is our year!
Grant do you know Who is on the PS yet?
Does anybody??
Grant, you didn’t believe that Scott Tolzien was better than JJ. After the performance by JJ the 4th preseason game you jump ship to JJ side. You gave up on Scott.. My god harbaugh is not dumb to give up on Tolzien, who he thinks who has lots of upside and a Young QB , thats ready to start in the NFL.
So How long do teams have to claim players off waivers?
Nick, now you’re talking about waivers, wow ! you’re still hoping your boy JJ can still make the team…lol !
Nick,
They can start claiming players at 9am tomorrow I believe.
Not surprised at all. Josh Johnson “seemed” more talented because he got more playing time than did Tolzein. Tolzein is MUCH more talented as a pocket passer than Johnson, but he is mobile when he needs to be (ala Alex). We already have a mobile quarter back in Kap. Tolzein possesses vision, and WILL be a talented QB in the NFL. My prediction is that next year you’ll see Tolzein will challenge for the starting position. Besides, he wore #16 in College, and wears #3 as a pro – obviously a Montana Fan! @Ricker101
I was under the impression that Tolzien got more rep (playing time) in preseason then JJ. JJ didn’t play much before the final preseason game.
Tolzein did get much more playing time in the preseason than Josh. He also got outplayed, drops included. He also threw 2 picks. Harbaugh clearly thinks Tolzein has more upside. He is the coach. We will see. Tolzein didn’t show that he had more talent. The numbers don’t lie.
You might also consider the cost between the two. JJ had a $2 mil+ 2 year contract. Tolzien has a one year $475,000. JJ, while maybe slightly better, was not better enough to justify the difference in price for a 3rd stringer.
Preparing to jack up the Packers. Lets roll Niners!
Grant,
Congrats on your prediction. I went back and looked at your predicted 53 man roster and you missed on only 2. You missed on Rueland, they kept Celek instead and they cut Rock Cartwright. I’d say you did well.
I hope Green Bay doesn’t pick Josh Johnson off the waiver wire, could be catastrophic! We e got to have an extra OLB before week 1, I think one of the safety’s will drop. Other than that, all looks good in Niner land, can’t wait for next weekend. Go Niners!!
I was kind of thinking the 49ers would retain 4 QBs, then trade one for a QB needy team out there. On the other hand, it’s important to get that roster settled well before the Green Bay game.
Harbaugh indicated that if/when they cut a QB, that player will ultimately be playing in the NFL somewhere. This could be the best thing for Johnson.
I was feeling less anxious about only carrying 3 OLBs when I saw Dobbs line up outside the OG in passing situations. But now there is this mysterious calf injury re-harshing my mellow.
But hey, I’m a chronic hand wringer. The roster is set, and for the most part it looks good and deep in most positions. Bring on Green Bay!
Garrett Celek is a mystery to me. But a TE that’s 6-5, 252 lbs, blocks well and has “sticky hands” is a nice red zone change-up. Smash defenders. Occasionally swipe a cheap “dribble out pattern” TD.
My guess on Celek is that the coaches know we have two play makers in davis and walker… I think you hit it on the head. Redzone and short yardage I’m thinking he is a mawler in the blocking game. Or maybe he is fantastic on blitz pick ups. Either way I still trust the FO decisions. They haven’t let us down yet.
I’m thinking Celek is insurance for Dobbs because of his injury. I sure didn’t see him on the final roster that’s for sure.
……my only concern is the 3 OLB……
…..is Dobbs playing DE or OLB on defense?
…..has to be DE…….why go with 3?….maybe they will sign or trade for a vet
ONEniner
I thought your only concern was alway Alex … :) haha
*always
…..Thank God the wait is over………
Week Date Opp Info
1 9/9 @ GB 1:25 PM PT – L
2 9/16 vs. Det 5:20 PM PT – W
3 9/23 @ Min 10:00 AM PT – W
4 9/30 @ NYJ 10:00 AM PT – L
5 10/7 vs. Buf 1:25 PM PT – W
6 10/14 vs. NYG 1:25 PM PT – W
7 10/18 vs. Sea 5:20 PM PT – W
8 10/29 @ Ari 5:30 PM PT – L
9 Bye Week
10 11/11 vs. StL 1:25 PM PT – W
11 11/19 vs. Chi 5:30 PM PT – W
12 11/25 @ NO 1:25 PM PT – L
13 12/2 @ StL 10:00 AM PT – L
14 12/9 vs. Mia 1:05 PM PT – W
15 12/16 @ NE 5:20 PM PT – L
16 12/23 @ Sea 1:25 PM PT – W
17 12/30 vs. Ari 1:25 PM PT – W
Away game or not, no way we lose to the Jets. If anyone thought our offense was weak last year, just wait until you see the 2012 Jets. They might set records for futility.
Son: Dad what’s a touchdown?
Dad: I don’t know son, we’re Jets fans.
…..I had it as a W at first then thought it probably will turn out as one of those we were meant to win but lost some how (Tebow playing Jesus in the 4th Qtr)……similar to the loss to the cowboys game last season……..
……we lose the Jets game and go on a 3 or possible 4 game winning streak….
Rib, aren’t you back there in that market area? Jets D actually looked pretty good to me in a peek I got this preseason. Their D might be trouble.
Rex, Players’ Coach. Really?
Yeah brotha, I’m here :/
Yes,their D might pose problems for us, but I’m predicting we shut that miserable of an excuse of offense out. A 3-0 win is still a win. ;)
ribico
I don’t think you’ve made your point clear regarding your thoughts on Ryan/Jets offense. Can you clear it up for me.
:- )
prime, tebow can ride in on the four horses of the apocalypse, it’s still not going to happen.
DS, just to expand.
New OC, Sparano bringing his “success” with the Dolphins up north. An emphasis on the running game that we defensively excel at. Or maybe they are counting on the mystery, unrevealed Tebow wildcat package to move the team. Apparently nothing done other than platitudes to address the locker room and game-time cancerous relationship between Sanchez and Holmes. And what receiver is going to take the heat off Holmes? The guy Ryan kicked to the curb?
The Tebow maniacs will be calling for Sanchez’s head by his 2nd INT. Oh, first and only Jets TD drive in the entire pre-season engineered by the 3rd string QB, the first team in 35 years unable to get a touchdown in the first three games of preseason. Just saving it for the regular season? Yeah, right.
One Jets positive, they did finally dump that right tackle turnstyle (after Ryan gave him his endorsement).
This is a team that may have already imploded by the time we meet them.
Well put, ribico. At some point Rex and Jets are gonna have to start backing up all the big talk. Isn’t Cromartie the one who is gonna take the heat off of Santonio? He is one the best receivers on the team or so he says. The team is a joke and I’m looking forward to watching them implode live in 4 weeks.
@ ribico
We’re going to hear it a lot, so we need to shorten it.
Tebow maniacs = Teboniacs
P.S. in response, I’ll always take a 3-0 for a win if I have to, but it tends to aggravate indigestion & high blood pressure!
Way to back your players, Rex. What a putz.
“He can run all these routes, he had good hands and he’s got 4.2 speed at 6-foot-5. He was the guy they all wanted, but honestly, when it came down to it, a wideout? Not my dream pick. But now that we have him, of course, I want to claim him: ‘Oh, that was my pick.’ But it really wasn’t.”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000057378/article/rex-ryan-stephen-hill-not-his-pick-for-new-york-jets
ribico
Maybe Ryan and Nolan are related. Sound alike.
Rex is just wrong on so many levels here.
>Didn’t want a wide receiver? That’s still a need on his team even with the 2nd Rdr spent on Hill.
>Hill was a decent value in 2nd.
>Everybody knew he’d need time to refine his game,(why he dropped to 2nd) so team & fans should be patient.
>You don’t dis your players publicly
>You don’t dis your bosses publicly
It’s more likely that the Niner’s go 2-0 against the Rams and Cardinals; 1-1 against Seattle. That’s 5 wins already. Even if the non-division record is 6-4, that means a 11-5 overall record.
The Rams are going to be much tougher this season. They had the worst starting cornerbacks in the NFL last season, and now they have some of the best.
Grant, The rams are gonna a mediocre team..
No way we lose to the Jets. They will be lucky to get past zero with their pathetic O vs our D.
And so it begins. Chase Beeler to sign with Eagles.
Did he sign for PS?
Yes
there will probably be 4-5 more picked up by other teams.
Brian Tyms and Jason Slowey had workouts with the Bucs this week.
LB Michael Wilhoite to the PS.
Person claimed by the Colts.
NaPalm and Tony Jerod-Eddie to PS.
Indy claimed Mike Person.
So we now have three players on the PS?
I’m sure TB has a contingency plan in place knowing that some of their released players will be claimed off waivers. They may have a (pre-draft analysis) list of OLB, DB, OL candidates released from other teams they are reviewing.
Netter to the PS.
4 down, 4 to go
Michael Thomas to the PS.
3 spots left now.
Owusu to sign with Chargers states MM.
I’m not surprised Person was claimed. He played well the past two weeks which is why I thought he had made the roster. Shame to see him go I think he had potential. Netter is now in Person’s role I think.
Shoot
I wanted Owusu. Hope we kick his butt when we play him.
OL Kenny Wiggins to the PS.
2 spots remain.
Owusu to Chargers, Reuland to Jets.
That sucks, I wanted Owusu over Palmer. I would have even been OK with Owusu over K Williams. That’s saying a lot since I’m a Cal alum, but still high on a former Stanford WR :)
Bummer about Reuland. Good pickup for the Jets, their TEs are on the critical list.
OJ Atogwe was a decent player in Saint Louis. Then he got to know Mike Singletary’s daughter and married her. No he is a veteran cut casualty of the Philadelphia Eagles. Who knew stupid was contagious?
This may be the “final” 53 man roster on Aug. 31 at 6:00 PM but I’ll bet it isn’t on Sept. 7.
Interesting news: After Carolina traded for Colin Jones, they released Reggie Smith – yes, the ex-Niner – whom they had signed as a free agent.
Didn’t he pick off Tebow?
Never would have seen Celek making the roster over Rueland in a million years.
According to various reports, Netter, Thomas, Palmer, Wilhoite and Person have been told they will be signed to the practice squad Saturday if they clear waivers
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/08/31/roster-cut-breakdown-qb-johnson-a-casualty-te-celek-a-keeper/
AJ is proving Grant has no future as a talent evaluator in the NFL.
When did he do that?
Grant,
You made no mention of Janoris Jenkins before as the pick over AJ in defending your dislike of the pick in your F Grade post.
Instead you defended it with a playmaker to help on 3rd and RZ conversions or a RG.
Was I required on draft night to compile a complete list of players the Niners probably should have drafted over A.J. Jenkins? That would have taken a while.
Jacks right Grant. You are guilty of hindsight GMing. I was with you on Fleener but for whatever reason they felt Jenkins was the better option. Let it play out before passing judgement. Predictions are fine but it’s crapshoot to do so when they haven’t played a regular season down yet.
Janoris Jenkins is a timebomb. I don’t think this kid was ever on the radar due to his off field transgressions. He slid for a reason and that is because he smoked a lot of weed and couldn’t find the condom box. He’s talented no doubt, but there is a lot of risk with this guy that I don’t think this organization was interested in taking on.
I gave the pick an F because it was a massive reach, not because it wasn’t Fleener.
And Janoris Jenkins was too much of risk, but Perrish Cox wasn’t?
You either should have done that then or stop defending it now with other names.
I agreed with you that Jenkins was a bad pick for what the team needs this season, but also see that he should be productive when they need him to be in a year or two.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieRaSlquRlc
Perrish Cox was a no risk, all reward signing. If he screws up and needs to be released it costs next to nothing. Janoris would have required a much larger signing bonus and consequences if it didn’t work.
The thing is according to most of the draft sites I looked at, he really wasn’t much of a reach Grant. He was projected by most as a 2nd round pick. The Rams were reportedly ready to take him with the first pick of the 2nd round. When you are picking at the end of the first round there are rarely sure things available. They took the guy they figured they could develop for a year or two and we’ll see how it goes. I was as shocked as you to hear his name called, but I don’t profess to know more about scouting than the guys who get paid to do it for a living. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt over my armchair knowledge.
Cox is on a two year vet minimum deal. If he screws up he’s gone. Janoris Jenkins screwing up would have meant wasting a 1st round pick and a lot more money.
Just because the Rams were prepared to make a bad reach doesn’t justify the Niners’ poor choice.
Face it Grant AJ will probably turn out to be a really good WR for us for a long time. Move on.
Did you see Fleener drop that pass from Luck that hit him in both hands ?
Doesn’t mean Fleener is a bust,lol.
Thanks for the link Grant. Great movie!
One of my favorites. “What are you, an ah-thah-rity?”
Tim
It does say somthing that we didn’t get Fleener knowing JH likes TE set offenses and that DW is going into a contract year. I mean wouldn’t the trio of VD/DW/CF be unstoppable if we retain DW even?
Maybe JH knows something that most don’t. Wouldn’t be a first in that regard.
Some wide receivers who had better preseasons than A.J. Jenkins: Rod Streater, Juron Criner, Marvin Jones, Griff Whalen, T.J. Graham, Michael Spurlock, Lestar Jean, LaRon Byrd, Cole Beasley.
Grant, do you think AJ will be active on game days? I see him inactive unless someone gets injured.
No.
Just a hunch, but I think AJ will be activated for some games. Maybe even Green Bay depending on how quickly Ginn, Dobbs and others “work through” their secret injuries.
Unlike positions like QB, OT or CB, a receiver can be trained in a few specialty plays, providing value even if they don’t yet have the full skill.
I would not be surprised if Jenkins is already trained on plays like reverse, fly sweep, fly patterns, shallow crossing or drag routes and others. Plays where the route trees are simpler.
Might be right, Brodie. I think the WRs will be mix & match substitutions during games by situation & formation; sometimes to deceive. Who suits up, as the season progresses may work out similarly if AJ is progressing in practice sessions.
Maybe the perception with A.J. was that he was brought in to take over for Crabtree. With all the talk of Crabtree unable to stretch the field last season, the draft was supposed to rectify the lack speed on the outside.
The problem for those who felt that way about Crabtree was that obviously Harbaugh and Co thought differently of him.
MC was never going anywhere, and he certainly was not going to lose his starting position to a rookie. But I digress (lol).
A.J. is in a perfect position because he now can learn his trade from a future HOF’r in RM. He is under no pressure to immediately produce and will be handled with great care by Harbaugh who will use him sparringly.
The book on A.J. is in it’s first chapter. Let’s not make any judgements after reading the first few pages.
He was AES, in 2-3 years. Crabtree’s rookie deal is very expensive, and it may be difficult to retain him.
Hammer,
My statement regarding A.J. could easily translate to MC. I dont believe that we’ve had a chance to see what MC is capable of doing in this offense. Yet, he led the team. But that point has been exhausted ad nauseam.
The book is not complete on MC. The signings of RM and MM should be a boon for MC this season. I will reserve judgement on him until I see how the passing offense unfolds this season. And as far as his contract goes, his production this season will be the determining factor as to where he plays next year.
Also, I don’t concern myself with anything I can’t control. But in the meantime, I’ll enjoy this season before looking beyond it. That job belongs to the Org (lol).
This is more or less MC’s last year on contract. The team has an option for 2013.
If MC does not perform at the level his salary demands and he isn’t willing to negotiate it like AS, then MC won’t be here in 2013.
It is common for WR’s to take a year to get up to NFL speed.
Jenkins was picked to prepare for the very real possibility that MC won’t be here in 2013. And it is the job of the GM to think about that fact and prepare the team so that they have a WR. And we won’t be witot a legit #1.
If MC performs at a level worthy of his pay, then we have the option to have him here in 2013 and he can’t much change that. And we’ll have 2 WR’s instead of 1.
Either way, we win from the organizations stand point. And if MC performs up to his salary, we’ll win the Super Bowl easily, have him for 2013 and have that time to sign him for long term.
In TB I trust as well.
I have a feeling that MC will have a breakout year
If he does, we’ll have him in 2013 at the very least. And likely have a new Lombardi along with him.
If he does not, anybody looking to discuss MC will have to do so on a non-Niner blog Nick.
Grant do you Have the names on the PS yet?…. and Who do you think is going to be?
Willie, here is a link for PS and for cut players that were signed by other teams.
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/09/01/saturdays-49ers-transaction-tracker/
DS94everXev says:
September 1, 2012 at 11:41 am
“This is more or less MC’s last year on contract. The team has an option for 2013.
If MC does not perform at the level his salary demands and he isn’t willing to negotiate it like AS, then MC won’t be here in 2013.”
@DS
Or perhaps he could go the route of AS and take a pay cut (because of underperforming) and remain on the team. But my thinking is that he will sign on with a team (if he is not signed here) that has a more prolific passing offense.
Either way, I agree with you that MC will need to show some improvement in catching, run-patterns, and finding ways to get open. Like in A.J.’ case, RM will be a huge help in these vital areas.
Umm, 2013 is a contract year. 2014 is the option year.
However, the cap hit for releasing Crabtree isn’t bad in 2013 (unlike this year). His cap number in 2013 is over $6 million so unless he finally lives up to his salary I don’t think he’ll be around next year.
msc
Ok. Then that works even more towards the Niners advantage. 2 more years rather than 1.
msc,
The 49ers don’t release veterans under contract who can help the team so I find that highly unlikely. They also will have 1-2 spots to fill with Ginn and Moss not signed past this year.
They may not pick up the option in 2014, but he will be here in 2013.
As they say, i’ll “take it one game at a time.”
The conversation as to whether MC stays here or goes eleswhere will have to put on hold.
But if he stays, fine. If he goes, good luck to him.
The team will be fine either way, when and if that happens.
I dunno Jack – a 2013 cap hit of 6+ million is pretty steep for a mediocre possession receiver.
This year the cap hit is ~ 5.5 million but, because of accelerated bonuses, releasing him wouldn’t have saved much on the cap. Next year the 49ers could clear 5 million in cap room by releasing Crabs.
You are letting your dislike of the player guide your thinking on this msc.
You could be right Jack. Top 10 picks that are barely average tend to annoy me.
@ Jack
Without speaking for Clemons, let’s just say he holds #1 Draft Choices to a high standard. He’s consistently critical of Alex, Crabs, & A. Davis, and he makes his arguments for it. I don’t always agree. I’d be willing to bet that if MC has a good 2012, that Clemons would see recognize it.
Have to agree with Jack on this one. I am not a big Crabtree fan but I think there is going to be some upside for Crabs this year. Lets just let the year play out and see what happens.
Doubt it Brotha. Alex Smith had a good season last year and it hasn’t slowed him down, and Crabtree was the best receiver as well.
I have no problem with msc, I get a good chuckle from some of his stuff. I just think he is wrong on this one. We’ll see.
I’m wounded Jack. I gave Alex full credit for being average in 2011 and I acknowledge that Crabtree was average as well.
Being average in the 7th/3rd year isn’t much of an accomplishment for a top 10 pick though, regardless of excuses.
Both guys did well in the most limited passing attack in the league. They won the one-legged ass-kicking contest. Bravo.
My 11:41 post discusses that negotiation option. Given his comments about AS and his hold-out, I don’t think he has the same desire as AS in staying here to live up to expectations. We’ll have to see what happens of course, but I bet he doesn’t by the fact that most of the time players don’t want to take paycuts.
Reuland signed with the Jets. I heard he was signed to the 53. Person has signed with the Colts and Owusu was signed to the San Diego PS. Guess they liked what they saw last game.
I’m liking this roster. Happy Dixon played his way onto the team. Glad Palmer survived waivers to make the practice squad. Also pleased to see both Tukuafu and Williams stick on the defensive line.
Hoping the Celek addition doesn’t mean Dobbs injury is serious. I’m not worried about the Tight End position as much as blind side pass rusher, with Aldon and Harrelson (OLB) and Dobbs (DE lined up outside the OT) already nicked up.
I have a feeling that Celek is insurance against starting the season without Dobbs. He may only be on the roster until Dobbs returns and then could end up on the PS and open up a roster spot for either a OLB or a Tackle. With Person signing with the Colts, the 49ers may feel the need to add a tackle before going for an OLB because with Dobbs back, he’ll be the nickel pass rusher. Pretty thin at tackle with only Staley and Davis – and Boone backing up both of them while also being the starting RG.
Cam Johnson and Maliffiso (spelling) round out the practice squad
Good news! Cam has a great first step and once he builds up to NFL level strength he could be a steal.
Mafiloso (I’m probably spelling it wrong too) has a great motor and could also be a guy who steps up after a year of development.
The Merc just reported Cam Johnson made the practice squad. Nice to see the 49ers make value of the draft pick, especially at OLB.
According to the Merc, the current eight man Practice Squad is: Tony Jerod-Eddie, Cam Johnson, Matthew Masifilo, Al Netter, Nathan Palmer, Michael Thomas, Kenny Wiggins and Michael Wilhoite.
MSC,
If your theory of top ten players not producing annoy you, where does VD stand in your thought process?
Afterall, VD’ numbers declined since being an all-pro.
My question would be why does it seem that VD gets a pass while MC has to surpass last seasons numbers to be viewed as having success?
JR’s stats dropped after 87 when he had over 20 TD’s. He never even reached 20 again. See the flaw in your argument? VD was feared by the Giants. MC was not. If so, they play nickel and dime a lot to 2 both (and we kill them with our run game). They didn’t. Whatever merits you think MC stats had compared to VD were inconsequetial to their defensive approach.
You can argue stats all you want. The evidence suggests the Giants didn’t care about stats. And, by the way they won. So they might be onto something there. And our GM as well spending a 1st round pick on a WR. Getting RM. Getting MM. Keeping KW. MC saw that. If you didn’t get the meaning of that message then I am glad you aren’t a player.
@AES Vernon has been widely considered one of the top tight ends in the league since his 3rd year.
No one considers Crabtree one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Being a bit selective eh j.t.?
Not denying VD’ accomplishments. If you took it like that It’s your problem.
MC’ accomplishments also have merit as well.
Harbaugh certainly seems to have a high view of him.
Oh, and j.t. just so you know I dont spend time in my rectum. But if that’s your idea of a pastime, enjoy!
VD sucks on Madden 13…
Interesting read on Celek.
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/09/04/cinderella-celek-the-story-of-the-49ers-long-shot-tight-end/
Thanks, Coffee, good read. Harb’s & Co sure love a guy who works hard! So, maybe he’s not that much better than Reuland but has more upside? He’s a guy who may get cut later, and re-signed again later than that.
Hahaha! I’m also laughing at myself because I ‘feel’ for a guy who doesn’t catch well. Early in HS I had hands of stone until my coach had me practice catching a frisbee; I learned to relax my hands and catch with hands instead of body.