Ulbrich placed on IR

There’s a lot of news today around the 49ers, beginning with the team’s decision to place linebacker Jeff Ulbrich on injured reserve because of his concussion problems.   Ulbrich, a popular player in the locker room who maximized his potential throughout his 10-year career, will remain with the club through the end of the season. He is ineligible to play for the remainder of the season, and this likely spells…

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Smith’s challenge is staying prepared

Alex Smith is “one snap away” and he’s been trying to remain prepared with plenty of mental reps since the beginning of the regular season. I spoke with Smith yesterday about his approach to being a backup and working during the bye week with new receiver Michael Crabtree.     * * *   Smith will throw some passes to Michael Crabtree today at the 49ers’ practice facility. Crabtree is…

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Every-49er review from Falcons game

Tight end Vernon Davis said he’ll take time this week to watch film, get in a couple workouts and travel back home to the DC area. Then, he’ll meet up with his brother and Dolphins cornerback, Vontae. The Dolphins are also on the bye week, which I should’ve known before I asked Vernon if he’d get a chance to watch his brother play this week. Oh, well. You can listen to our brief…

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Bly apologizes; Rossum released

Mike Singletary had just started his weekly press conference when cornerback Dre’ Bly entered the room. He then issued a public apology for celebrating – a la Deion Sanders – when he was still 75 yards from the end zone.   Also, today, the 49ers informed return specialist Allen Rossum of his release. The 49ers needed to clear a roster spot to activate rookie receiver Michael Crabtree to the 49ers’…

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Jed York: The written version

I sat down to speak with 49ers team president Jed York on Thursday to talk about various aspects of the Michael Crabtree situation, as well as several other topics. The audio can be heard by clicking here. For those who don’t want to sit through the entire 10-minute, 23-second interview, here is the transcript:

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Hammer: The rest of the story

Michael Crabtree probably would have signed at some point before Nov. 17, the deadline for a rookie to get a deal done and be eligible to play this season. But one person in particular is responsible for the timing of his contract agreement with the 49ers.   This week, the 49ers and Crabtree synchronized their watches to Hammertime.

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Crabtree working his way back slowly

If you’re wondering how Michael Crabtree looked today in the 49ers’ offense, the answer is: He didn’t. Because Crabtree will not be in uniform for Sunday’s game against the Falcons, there was no reason for him practice any of the 49ers’ game plan. Instead, he lined up as a receiver on the scout team – in the role of Michael Jenkins.

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Catching up with Jed York . . . finally

Niners president Jed York spoke with me today for a podcast about “Hammer”-ing out a deal with Michael Crabtree. I also asked him if going through this process will affect how the 49ers draft in the future. He also addressed the current 49ers season and the team’s proposed Santa Clara stadium. Also . . . on Tuesday, why did he avoid me at the hotel where the negotiations were taking place?  …

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