49ers sign Raymond Ventrone, waive Jason Schepler

The 49ers just announced they’ve signed veteran backup safety and special-teamer Raymond Ventrone to a two-year contract. To make room on the roster for Ventrone, the 49ers waived fullback Jason Schepler. Ventrone was a special-teams standout on the Cleveland Browns when current 49ers’ special teams coach, Brad Seely, was the Browns’ special teams coach, and current 49ers’ offensive consultant, Eric Mangini, was the Browns’ head coach. Perhaps Mangini and Seely…

June 3, 2013
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Heath Evans: “Atlanta’s just a front-running team. I think they’re soft when need be.”

NFL Network analyst and former NFL player Heath Evans spoke on KNBR Thursday morning. Here’s what he said about the 49ers and the Falcons. Q: The 49ers are a four-point favorite on the road over the Falcons. Does this stun you? HEATH EVANS: No. Not at all. I was talking with Darren Sharper the other day, and I’m telling you – anyone that is picking Atlanta is either biased because…

January 17, 2013
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Steve Young on the 49ers’ kicker competition: “To me, it’s the last thing you want to do.”

Steve Young spoke on KNBR Wednesday afternoon. Here’s what he said about the 49ers kicker competition. Q: How does a slumping kicker like David Akers affect the quarterback’s mindset during a game? YOUNG: When a kicker’s in a funk, it’s a problem. I’ve got to wonder why they brought in another guy to compete with him. David’s been around a long time. He’s a veteran guy. If he’s hurt he’s…

January 3, 2013
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Harbaugh says he doesn’t think there are any gaps in Greg Roman’s body of work

SANTA CLARA – At his Monday press conference, Jim Harbaugh addressed the possibility of one of his coordinators getting hired as a head coach elsewhere. Here’s what Harbaugh said about that. Q: Have you factored in the possibility that some of your coaches might not be able to work all seven days this week, that they might get an interview with all the head coaching vacancies out there right now?…

December 31, 2012
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49ers Week 10 grades: Special teams

SAN FRANCISCO — The 49ers tied the Rams 24-24. Here is the grade for the 49ers special teams. Special teams: F. Let me count the ways the 49ers special teams failed against the Rams. They gave up two fake-punt passes for first downs. The first time, the Rams were backed up into their own end zone. Special teams coach Brad Seely called an all-out blitz to block the punt, so…

November 11, 2012
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Harbaugh: “We’ve just been using Colin as an added weapon. We feel like we’re getting plenty of everything from Alex Smith.”

SANTA CLARA – Jim Harbaugh spoke in the defensive meeting room Monday afternoon. Here’s what he said about the 49ers 26-3 loss to the Giants. Q: How do you think Alex Boone did at left tackle after Joe Staley got hurt? HARBAUGH: Did fine. I don’t think any of us had our best day. It certainly wouldn’t be very human if it didn’t hurt today. But there’s no time. You’ve…

October 15, 2012
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Anthony Dixon: “Just trying to be perfect.”

SANTA CLARA – Last season, Anthony Dixon was the 49ers’ short-yardage running back. Now, he’s competing for that job with Brandon Jacobs, whom San Francisco signed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract in March. Dixon caught up with reporters today to talk about his mentality this offseason, the improvements he’s made to his game and his no-gain carry on third-and-one in the NFC championship game. Q: What specifically do you…

June 7, 2012
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Josh Cribbs on the Browns new offense: “Not too many wrinkles in there.”

Q: You went to Dunbar High School in Washington D.C. with Vernon Davis. What were your impressions of him in high school? CRIBBS: Elite guy. We knew he was blessed with size and strength. You could look at him and tell already that he was going to be an athlete. When I first met him, he came in eighth grade before his ninth grade year, I was like, “Wow!” Like…

October 26, 2011
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Harbaugh, Niners still searching for lost treasures

“We’ve been tracking it down through NFL Films and trying to retrieve some of that intellectual property that belongs to the San Francisco 49ers. So we’re trying to build that library back up and that legacy back up. I can’t wait to watch it. So we’re making progress.”

February 18, 2011
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Report: Niners contact Browns’ Seely

During his tenure in New England, the Patriots led the NFL in kickoff-return average (23.5) and ranked eighth in punt-return average (9.9). New England also ranked second with 11 returns for touchdowns, including eight on kickoffs.

January 20, 2011
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