Harbaugh: “It was no breakout game. That’s what Vernon Davis does.”

Here is a transcript of Jim Harbaugh’s Friday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.

 

Did DL Glenn Dorsey practice a little bit today?

“Yes.”

 

How did he look?

“Did good.”

 

Good enough to play on Sunday?

“We’ll make that determination, but it was good.”

 

You’ve got a roster opening, are you going to use it between now and the game or is it kind of up in the air?

“Anticipate using it, filling it.”

 

Will it be NT Mike Purcell?

“We will make that decision by tomorrow.”

 

Tomorrow is the deadline, right?

“Yes.”

 

So, is it either Purcell or DT Quinton Dial? Is that the conundrum?

“Well, we know what we’re going to do. But, we’ll let the transaction speak for what we’re going to do.”

 

Titans TE Delanie Walker did a lot of things for you on the offense over the past two years. How would you say that TE Vernon Davis and the rest of the tight end group has kind of absorbed that loss. It seems like tight end is still a real strength for you. Just kind of absorbed the loss of Delanie this year.

“Yes, tight ends are playing extremely well, led by Vernon Davis who is a great player. I was asked earlier in the week by the Tennessee media, ‘what did the breakout game that Vernon had last week mean to the team,’ and do we expect that going forward, etc. And my reply was, ‘it was no breakout game and that’s what Vernon Davis does.’ He’s, in our opinion, the best tight end in the National Football League. Blocks, runs routes with the best of them. So, he leads the way in that regard. [TE] Vance [McDonald] and [TE Garrett] Celek have also done a very good job.”

 

It was nice to see WR Michael Crabtree was catching passes out there. What was it like to see him back on the field moving like he is?

“Good. Very excited and very proud of what Michael’s doing. These guys, Michael Crabtree, [WR] Mario Manningham, Quinton Dial, [DT] Tank Carradine, they go through grueling rehab and that’s been going on for months. And, just excited for them as football players as they transition back into playing. It’s a great process. I think it shows their toughness, mental toughness. Not everybody can do that. But, they’re doing it and I’m proud of them for that.”

 

Is the plan with Manningham to have him after they bye week?

“He’s practicing now. We don’t have a crystal ball on exactly when he plays in a game, but he looks really good, really good. He had a very good day yesterday and I’m excited for him.”

 

Without using percentages, where would you say he is as far as physically, football shape, coming back?

“He looks good, looks real good. It’s a matter of, it’s going to be soon.”

 

Titans QB Jake Locker took all the reps today in Tennessee. How do you balance preparing for two quarterbacks this week?

“Well, it’s not the first time a team’s been in the position that way. So you just do it and prepare for both.”

 

Is it a benefit that you faced Jake in college, just having a good idea of his skillsets?

“That I coached, benefitted …?”

 

And defensive coordinator Vic and the rest of the staff.

“I don’t think so. I don’t think it’s any advantage.”

 

Assuming he does play, what kind of distinctive challenges does he present? What kind of quarterback is he in your view?

“Very good quarterback. Experienced quarterback. They both are. They’re both good.”

 

Will LB Ahmad Brooks meet you guys in Tennessee?

“Yes.”

 

So he’s in Virginia now and then–?

“Yes.”

 

Any reaction to Dr. Dan Garza’s passing?

“Yes, we were stunned and deeply saddened by his passing. Myself, players, coaches, staff. We send our prayers, our condolences to his family and friends.”

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