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…
Filmophile breaks down 49ers
Greg Cosell sits in a darkened room at NFL Films and watches game film. That’s his job. Players often say that the film doesn’t lie. If that’s the case, Cosell is the perfect man from whom to get some answers.
Tying up loose ends before weekend getaway
There’s a big game in the NFC West on Sunday, as the Seahawks play host to the Cardinals. Both teams are in striking range of the 49ers. In fact, the Cardinals can match the 49ers’ 3-2 record with a road victory.
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…
49ers’ bye week injury report
Running back Frank Gore expects to be available when the 49ers return to action Oct. 25 against the Texans. He took part today in individual and group work, and then sat out the 11-on-11 work during today’s practice.
Singletary talks O-line, Sheets, Rossum
Mike Singletary met with the media for the final time before the team was given a four-day break during the bye weekend.
Crabtree’s work continues in bye week
Rookie receiver Michael Crabtree will make his NFL debut on Oct. 25 against the Texans, 49ers coach Mike Singletary said today.
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…
Sheets picked off 49ers practice squad
Running back Kory Sheets, an undrafted rookie from Purdue, said his good-byes in the 49ers locker room this afternoon. The Dolphins signed Sheets off the 49ers practice squad today, he told his now-former teammates.
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’…
Sticking with my 49ers grades
The last time a report card was this easy to fill out was 1967. I was 9 months old, and I told my parents that the 49ers deserved failing grades across the board for their 45-3 loss to the Detroit Lions at Kezar Stadium on Oct. 29, 1967.
49ers suffer worst loss since move to Candlestick
How bad was the 49ers’ 45-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday? Probably worse than you thought.
49ers-Falcons live blog
Join me live before and during today’s 49ers-Falcons game for our live blog/chat. * * *
NFL Network: Sanders clears the air
Deion Sanders said today on the NFL Network that agent Eugene Parker was his source when he said on Sept. 4 that there were two teams “desiring” a trade for Michael Crabtree. And, furthermore, he said the 49ers were Parker’s source.
Third downs are important but not first priority
Third downs are often cited as the critical plays in a football game, but that has not necessarily been the case for the 49ers this season. It’s all about first downs.
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:
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.
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.
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? …