Here’s the complete transcript of Jim Harbaugh’s Saturday press conference.
He said the 49ers are comfortable with Colin Kaepernick as Alex Smith’s backup quarterback, and when asked if the team would sign another QB, Harbaugh seemed to suggest that if they do, he may only play for the practice squad. So perhaps the Niners won’t be so interested in a signing a veteran QB. Perhaps they’ll be interested in Scott Tolzien, whom the Chargers cut today.
Harbaugh also said Kendall Hunter is the No. 2 running back for now, but that could change depending on which running back is hot.
Here’s Harbaugh in his own words.
Q: What was the most difficult part of today’s cuts?
HARBAUGH: Talking to the guys that were 49ers, those kind of guys that we wanted here, that had that mindset, and who worked really hard to be here. Them, and a lot of the guys who were going through it for the first time. The rookies who experienced something so new that you feel for them all that worked very hard, but also understand that they benefited greatly from the opportunity and the experience and I think that will bode well for many of the youngsters.
Q: What prompted the release of Josh McCown.
HARBAUGH: There was an effort to get our best 53 on the roster, and it’s just decisions that we made.
Q: Is there a sense that McCown would be available during the season if you were to need a No. 3 at some point?
HARBAUGH: It’s possible, but then again it’s possible that he wouldn’t, so like any team that only carries two quarterbacks at this time, you’re rolling the dice somewhat and we understand that.
Q: Are you going to be keeping two quarterbacks or will there be another quarterback added before the start of the regular season?
HARBAUGH: I anticipate there will be one in the building, practice squad or other.
Q: With Colin Kaepernick, do you feel confident that he can step in and function in a regular season game, or do you have to get a veteran guy behind Alex?
HARBAUGH: We feel confident in Colin.
Q: Would that preclude you guys from going after maybe a young quarterback, a rookie that got released today?
HARBAUGH: No, there’s nothing that precludes us from doing anything that we feel helps our football team, and that goes for any position.
Q: What were some of the moods of some of the guys that made the team?
HARBAUGH: The mood was good, it was good energy with the squad when we met today, and I think Patrick and Frank Gore both summed it up. It starts right now, getting ready for Seattle. That’s the mood. It’s serious and they’re ready to get going.
Q: Are you interested in adding a third tight end to that group?
HARBAUGH: That’s possible. That’s a possibility.
Q: You guys kept probably more defensive lineman than a 3-4 team would normally keep. What did you see from some of those young guys that made you keep so many?
HARBAUGH: We did. A little heavy there on the defensive line. Particularly Demarcus Dobbs and Ian Williams we felt earned a spot. We feel like they have a very good upside. That’s a tough position to find in the National Football League – those big bodies, so we were please, and I think that’s one of the things when you start looking at the roster, more defense than offense, a little light in some positions, there were men who earned their way onto the roster and made decisions very difficult, but that’s what we decided to go with.
Q: What were Dobbs’ and Williams’ reaction?
HARBAUGH: They were happy, but at the same time they know that all, the people that made the team, when it was close they were happy that they were chosen. Everybody’s good out there, and everybody that was in our camp was good, and then there’s better that make the 53, and then now they’re on a progression to be the best. That’s as hard of a task as it is to make the team, and then that step to be a starter and be the best is very difficult as well. They’re very serious and they understand that this isn’t the end, this is the beginning.
Q: As far as the third tight end, does having Bruce Miller on the team give you see leeway at that position? Can he do some of the things that a third tight end might do?
HARBAUGH: Yes he can, as well as playing special teams, but he is definitely going to be a swing guy in that regard for us.
Q: C.J. Spillman, Blake Costanzo, and Colin Jones were kept for special teams. Will you keep them in uniform for game days?
HARBAUGH: Yes, yes, we do. We expect them to be in uniform. They’re picked with the idea of being on the 46. In the National Football League you’ve got to win two out of the three phases to win a game, and we want to be strong on special teams. That’s a sign that we want to be strong on special teams.
Q: Did you leave the decision for those three spots up to Seely?
HARBAUGH: All of our coaches had input on the spots in the final roster, but the decisions were made by Trent and myself.
Q: Did you say Frank Gore and Patrick Willis spoke to the team today?
HARBAUGH: Yes.
Q: Can you kind of summarize or hit on the themes that they hit on in that meeting?
HARBAUGH: No, not really, not really summarize what they said, but it is noteworthy and an honor that Frank was selected captain on offense and Patrick was selected captain on defense.
Q: Are the captains voted on by the players?
HARBAUGH: The captains are voted on by the players.
Q: Have you made up a decision on who your backup to Frank Gore is going into the season?
HARBAUGH: I think that’s an on-going decision, who’s playing better. I know there will be a rotation – all three of those backs will play. I’d say right now Kendall Hunter is ahead on the depth chart.
Q: How do you approach the rest of the week as far as getting the guys prepared to play a game in eight days? Do you get a bonus practice?
HARBAUGH: Yes, we had a bonus workout today and we’ll get a bonus workout on Tuesday, and then we’ll approach it like a regular week.
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