San Francisco 49ers Trade Rumors

Bucs denied again: 49ers won't let team speak to DB coach
February 12
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano has run into yet another roadblock in his quest to build a staff of assistants. The San Francisco 49ers have denied the Bucs an opportunity to speak to defensive backs coach Ed Donatell about their vacant defensive coordinator position, according to an NFL.com report. The denial marks at least the third time since Schiano took over as Bucs coach that he has been denied the opportunity to speak to a potential coordinator candidate. The Bucs were previously denied opportunities to speak to Arizona Cardinals receivers coach John McNulty and Green Bay Packers tight ends coach Ben McAdoo about their offensive coordinator job. News of the latest refusal"
49ers give G.M. Trent Baalke three-year contract extension
February 11
San Jose Mercury News
 
"General manager Trent Baalke was rewarded by the 49ers on Friday with a three-year contract extension through the 2016 season, the club announced. Baalke, along with rookie coach Jim Harbaugh, took a common-sense approach to an offseason interrupted by a lockout, and the end result was a 13-3 regular season that ended with an overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game. The 49ers also promoted Gideon Yu to team president and co-owner. Yu joined the 49ers in 2011 as chief strategy officer and has been heavily involved with the team's stadium project in Santa Clara. Baalke avoided the high-end free-agent market, making his biggest splash with safety Donte Whitner and"
Harbaugh: Unanimous within 49ers that Smith is 'our guy'
February 8
CSN Bay Area
 
"On Saturday, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith went on stage to accept the award for NFL Coach of the Year on behalf of Jim Harbaugh. The two men played golf together on Tuesday at Pepple Beach as part of a five-hole 49ers vs. San Francisco Giants charity shootout. And on Thursday, Smith will serve as Harbaugh's caddie on the first day of the AT&T National Pro-Am. Smith is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but it appears highly unlikely that he'll still be available to the other 31 teams in the league when the free-agent signing period opens March 13. Harbaugh has made it clear he wants Smith re-signed, and he said Tuesday on "Chronicle Live" that the 49ers'"
49ers' Tom Gamble to interview with Rams
February 7
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Tom Gamble, the 49ers' director of player personnel, will interview with the Rams for their general-manager position today, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Gamble has ties to St. Louis head coach Jeff Fisher. Gamble worked in the Eagles' personnel department from 1988 through '94; Fisher was Philadelphia's defensive coordinator from 1988 through '90. Gamble's father, Harry, served as the Eagles' general manager and president."
Peyton Manning as 49er makes sense, but not enough
January 29
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Al Saracevic
"Peyton Manning in red and gold? It's not as crazy as it sounds. The talk shows have been buzzing for weeks, if not months, saying the longtime Indianapolis Colts star is looking for a new helmet next season. And the future Hall of Famer has done little to dispel the rumors. This past week, he complained publicly about seeing the Colts clean out the coaching staff and front office, and he then went on to say it wasn't a good environment for healing the injured neck that kept him out all season. By the end of the week, Manning and his owner, Jim Irsay, made a public show of making up, saying they would do what's best for the team. But it's clear the quarterback's not happy. With Stanford's"
49ers' primary concern: free agents Rogers, Goldson
January 29
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"On the first day of their offseason, 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown and safety Donte Whitner were already looking ahead to next season. Less than 24 hours removed from playing, they were pitching. Both players were lobbying for their partners in the secondary to return to San Francisco in 2012. Asked about his fellow cornerback, impending free agent Carlos Rogers, Brown said, "He's a tremendous player, a tremendous competitor and a tremendous teammate. I would love to play with him next year. We have a great thing going here. We have a special team." Similarly, Whitner made a pitch for safety Dashon Goldson to re-sign when he becomes a free agent on March 13: "We have real good chemistry"
49ers' star rookie Aldon Smith accused of DUI
January 29
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Rookie defensive end Aldon Smith of the 49ers was arrested and booked into jail on DUI charges Saturday morning in Miami. According to various reports, Smith, 22, was booked into jail at 9:32 a.m. EST and released on $1,000 bond. The 49ers released a statement saying they were aware of Smith's arrest: "We take these issues very seriously, but will reserve further comment at this time, as this is an ongoing legal matter. The 49ers will continue to gather the facts and monitor the developments closely.""
49ers to target receivers as area for improvement
January 27
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"It appears the 49ers might have missed a spot in their extreme makeover this season. And that area was impossible to miss for those paying attention during the postseason. In two games, the 49ers wide receivers managed eight catches for 51 yards and one touchdown. In their 20-17 overtime loss to New York in the NFC Championship Game, Michael Crabtree's 3-yard catch was the only reception by a wideout. Much has changed in San Francisco, which had its first wining season and postseason victory in nine years. But the lack of production from wide receivers remains the same. The Niners and Bears are the only teams without a 1,000-yard wide receiver since 2003. It's a position San Francisco will"
Seely joins Colts coaching candidates
January 24
Foxsports.com
 
"The list of head-coaching candidates for the Indianapolis Colts continues to grow. Two sources told FOXSports.com on Tuesday that San Francisco 49ers special teams coach Brad Seely is scheduled to interview Wednesday in Indianapolis. The Colts are seeking to replace Jim Caldwell, who was fired last week shortly after Ryan Grigson was hired as general manager."
Terrell Owens wants to come home; 49ers unlikely to answer door
December 29
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Unemployed receiver Terrell Owens wants to return to the 49ers and fill Braylon Edwards' spot on the roster. That's not likely to happen, however. The 49ers are more inclined to promote a practice-squad player rather than bring in the 38-year-old Owens, who has spent all season recovering from knee surgery. In a Twitter post Wednesday to 49ers safety Donte Whitner, a 2009 teammate on the Buffalo Bills, Owens wrote: "Let em kno if they need me, I'm ready homie!! I'm ready 2 take em deep!!" Owens began his prolific career in 1996 with the 49ers and has 153 touchdown catches, second only to Jerry Rice in NFL history. Asked if the playoff-bound 49ers have interest in Owens, coach Jim Harbaugh"
Receiver Joe Hastings might join 49ers' roster
December 29
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"As part of his duties as a member of the 49ers' practice squad this season, rookie wide receiver Joe Hastings has assumed the jersey number and playing style of a wideout San Francisco's secondary would face that week. This week, it appears Hastings, who has portrayed receivers such as Detroit's Calvin Johnson and Philadelphia's Jeremy Maclin, will finally get to play himself. On Wednesday, a day after the 49ers released Braylon Edwards, coach Jim Harbaugh said the team probably will fill the roster spot with one of two in-house candidates, practice-squad wideouts Hastings and John Matthews. After Harbaugh spoke, Matthews indicated Hastings would earn the promotion. "I think Joe's the guy"
Braylon Edwards cut by 49ers
December 27
ESPN.com
 
"Braylon Edwards on Tuesday wrote on his Twitter account that he has been released by the San Francisco 49ers. "I was released today by the 49ers due to my injury that required more time to rehab and hasn't allowed me to re-sync with the offense," Edwards said in a statement on his website was linked from his Twitter account. "I wish the 49ers organization the best of luck during the Playoffs. I will be working hard this off season to strengthen my knee and prepare for the 2012 season. Thanks for your continued support and for being such loyal fans." Edwards hurt his knee in a Sept. 18 game against the Dallas Cowboys. He had surgery and didn't return until Oct. 30 against the Cleveland"
49ers' Staley less questionable than Willis
December 18
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Linebacker Patrick Willis and left tackle Joe Staley are listed as questionable for Monday's meeting against the visiting Steelers, but it appears that only Staley has a chance to play. Willis (hamstring) did not participate in Saturday's walk-through and again did rehabilitation work on an adjacent field. On Friday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio indicated that he wouldn't be comfortable playing Willis if he didn't practice during the week. "Probably not," Fangio said. "When you're dealing with a hamstring injury, the guy has to show that he can run.""
49ers give tackle Alex Boone 4-year extension
December 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The 49ers have signed Alex Boone to a four-year contract extension, keeping the 24-year-old backup offensive tackle in San Francisco through the 2015 season. Boone, who has lost about 40 pounds since he signed with the Niners as an undrafted free agent in 2009, has played on special teams and short-yardage situations as an extra blocker this season. He's also stayed out of trouble off the field during his NFL career after he had a DUI and public-intoxication arrest at Ohio State, where he was an All-American as a senior. "We are very pleased with the progress that Alex has made since joining the team in 2009," San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. "He really is a"
49ers are poised to clinch a playoff berth
November 29
San Jose Mercury News
 
"An eight-season playoff drought can end Sunday for the 49ers. It'll be an overdue but not overlooked feat. "It's a big deal. It's a step," coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday. "We may be ahead on the chip count, but we don't have a seat at the final table." The 49ers (9-2) hold a five-game lead in the NFC West with five regular-season games left. Four of those games are against division foes, including Sunday's visit to Candlestick Park by the last-place St. Louis Rams (2-9). "We all understand it's there," quarterback Alex Smith said of his first career playoff berth. "We still have so many division games left, but ... there is a lot on the line and potentially a chance to get the division.""
49ers' Goldson apologizes for retaliating
November 22
Sacramento Bee
 
"San Francisco safety Dashon Goldson told reporters Monday that he "kind of lost it" during the fourth-quarter run-in with Arizona wide receiver Early Doucet on Sunday. Goldson, who was ejected from the 49ers' 23-7 win over the Cardinals, said he addressed the team after the game. The incident occurred when Doucet, reacting to what he later called a "cheap shot" from Goldson in coverage, struck Goldson on the back of the helmet as the safety was getting up from the ground. Goldson then swung twice at Doucet's helmet, drawing a 15-yard penalty and the ejection. Goldson on Monday denied Doucet's charge."
Alex Smith says getting a new contract isn't on his radar
November 17
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"It was a question many long-suffering 49ers fans asked with dread or disgust three months ago. Nine regular-season games later, however, the question is a bit different. That is, how many years will the 49ers give Alex Smith? Yes, the question of Smith's future in San Francisco was raised Wednesday on the heels of his much-improved play during the Niners' 8-1 start. Smith, who signed a one-year contract after the lockout, said he's had no discussions regarding a future contract with the 49ers. And he has no plans to do so until after the season. "Not something I've talked about, or even really thought about," Smith said. "It's so early. I'm focused on playing football. That's not something"
Smith says new contract can wait
November 17
CSN Bay Area
 
"Quarterback Alex Smith, who is playing under a one-year contract with the 49ers, said Wednesday that any talk about a contract extension can wait until after the season. "It's nothing I've talked about or even really thought about," Smith said. "It's so early. I'm focused on playing football. It's not something I want to think about in the middle of the season, to be honest with you. "It's so fun to come to work every day with the group of guys we have and do what we're doing. . . . Not thinking about.""
49ers add Mark LeGree
November 16
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The 49ers affinity for safeties continued Tuesday with the announcement that former Seahawk and Cardinal Mark LeGree was signed to the practice squad. The team released wide receiver John Matthews to make room for 6-0, 210-pound LeGree. LeGree joins a team with six safeties on their active roster. Starters Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson are backed up by Reggie Smith, Madieu Williams, C.J. Spillman and rookie Colin Jones. Spillman and Jones are mainly special teams players. LeGree was drafted in the fifth round of this year's draft by Seattle but was released after training camp. The Cardinals signed him to their practice squad for two weeks and then released him. LeGree has been on the"
Gore likely to play against Cardinals
November 15
Sacramento Bee
 
"Frank Gore had his sore right knee examined Monday, but that's mostly because, as coach Jim Harbaugh said, the 49ers "spare no expense checking on Frank." Gore was seen moving around Monday without a limp, and Harbaugh said he thought the running back would be able to play Sunday against the Cardinals. Gore entered Sunday's game against the Giants with a sprained left ankle, then appeared to injure his right knee after a hard tackle by defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in the second quarter. Gore didn't carry the ball the rest of the game and was in for only two additional plays, both as a pass blocker."
Braylon Edwards: 49ers' offense will improve
November 7
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Washington nose tackle Barry Cofield wasn't overly impressed after the 49ers managed four field goals, one touchdown and 326 yards in their 19-11 win Sunday. "I don't think they played that great," Cofield told the Washington media. "I don't think they have that dynamic of an offense." Cofield's quote wasn't relayed to Braylon Edwards, but the 49ers' wide receiver's retort would go probably something like this: Just wait and see. San Francisco's offense has scored all of one touchdown in its past 91-plus minutes, but Edwards expressed confidence the unit will begin to match the team's ferocious defense. Edwards, who missed four games with a knee injury this season, hinted that the offense"
49ers' Braylon Edwards practices again, but he might not play on Sunday
October 27
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Motherly advice could decide if wide receiver Braylon Edwards returns to the 49ers lineup Sunday. "Braylon, relax. See how it goes. Don't force it," Edwards recalled his mother, Malesa Plater, constantly telling him after his Sept. 19 knee surgery. After practicing Wednesday in limited fashion for the second straight day, he did look capable of playing in Sunday's home game against the Cleveland Browns. But neither he nor coach Jim Harbaugh is willing to declare that until Edwards' right knee passes further scrutiny. "I'm optimistic with any game. I'm 28. I want to be out there," Edwards said. "It's pride. It's confidence. It's wanting to get back out there. It's competition. "But I have"
49ers take whole new approach to power run game
October 26
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"As an ex-NFL fullback, Daryl Johnston appreciates the power-run philosophy the 49ers have implemented this season. Johnston said it bears little resemblance to the vaunted ground game in which he played with Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith and the Cowboys in the 1990s. Then again, some of what the 49ers have done this season doesn't look like, well, anything other NFL teams are doing. A formation with six offensive linemen and two fullbacks? How about three tight ends bunched to one side? Or a formation with four tight ends, one being an offensive lineman moonlighting at another position?"
Alex Smith threw often during the bye week
October 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Alex Smith had a vision of his former self with his less than stellar performance in Detroit, and that's why the seven-year veteran threw often during the bye week. Even though the 49ers beat the Lions with a 6-yard pass from Alex Smith to Delanie Walker in the final two minutes, Smith wasn't pleased with his performance. He told general manager Trent Baalke after the game he could have played much better. Smith completed 17-of-32 passes for only 125 yards, a touchdown and an interception. His passer rating for the game plunged to 60 after being over 100 for the previous two games. Many of his incompletions came on high passes. "Yes, Alex participated in our opportunity practice last"
49ers receiver Braylon Edwards expected to return to practice
October 25
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who hasn't played during the 49ers' four-game win streak, is expected to practice Tuesday for the first time since Sept. 19 knee surgery. "I had a chance to watch him work out last week," coach Jim Harbaugh said on a Monday conference call. "I anticipate seeing him out there (Tuesday) in practice, and (we're) hoping for good things." If all goes well, the 49ers (5-1) could use Edwards on Sunday when they host his original team, the Cleveland Browns, who drafted Edwards third overall in 2005. Edwards tore the meniscus in his right knee while making a third-down conversion Sept. 18. It happened on the 49ers' first series in an eventual 27-24 overtime loss to"
Report: 49ers among teams most interested in Broncos WR Lloyd
October 16
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The 49ers, Rams and Patriots are the teams most interested in acquiring Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported this morning. Lloyd, who is being shopped around the league prior to Tuesday's trade deadline, will be a free agent after this season. After being viewed as a disappointment in his first seven seasons, Lloyd, 30, broke out with 77 catches, 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2010. Those numbers shattered his previous career-bests – 48 catches, 733 yards, five touchdowns – he established with the 49ers in 2005. In four games this season, Lloyd has 19 catches for 283 and no touchdowns."
49ers will make re-signing injured receiver Morgan priority, Harbaugh says
October 13
Sacramento Bee
 
"Josh Morgan may be gone for the season, but 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said he's not gone for good. On the same day the 49ers put Morgan on injured reserve because of a broken right leg, Harbaugh said the team wants Morgan back next season – and beyond – and he said he's told the wide receiver as much. "We'll make that a priority," Harbaugh said. Morgan had surgery Monday, during which screws were inserted into his right leg. Harbaugh said the injury included ligament damage but that there shouldn't be any long-term issues with Morgan's recovery."
WR tryouts: Houshmandzadeh in, Zeigler out
October 11
Sacramento Bee
 
"Veteran T.J. Houshmandzadeh is one of the players trying out today for the 49ers' vacancy at wide receiver, but longtime 49ers receiver Dominique Zeigler is not, according to multiple sources. The 49ers will consider a number of receivers, including veterans like Houshmandzadeh, who played 10 years in the league, as well as the team's practice-squad receivers, Joe Hastings and John Matthews. "There will be somewhat of a tryout, a workout," coach Jim Harbaugh said on his weekly show on KNBR. "We'll bring some men in and compete for that spot, and most likely we will add another player to the 53-man roster. Whether that comes from our practice squad or outside the building, we'll determine"
Broken leg could sideline 49ers wideout Josh Morgan for season
October 11
Sacramento Bee
 
"Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers were putting the squeeze on the Buccaneers late in Sunday's game when wide receiver Josh Morgan got caught in the vise. Morgan suffered a broken bone in his lower right leg when he was tackled and went down awkwardly at the Tampa Bay 1-yard line. The 49ers' leading wide receiver this season had surgery Monday, and the rest of his season is in doubt. The 49ers hope he can return later this year but will make that determination based on how he emerges from the procedure. For now, the team will consider adding reinforcements to a position at which Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams are the only healthy members."
Source: Morgan sustains fractured ankle
October 10
CSN Bay Area
 
"The 49ers' victory came at a cost, as receiver Joshua Morgan sustained a fractured right ankle, a source close to Morgan told CSNBayArea.com on Sunday evening. It is not known how long Morgan will be out of action. Morgan was the 49ers' leading receiver with five catches for 75 yards in the 49ers' 48-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Candlestick Park. Morgan was injured with more than four minutes remaining in the game when Tampa Bay cornerback Anthony Gaitor tackled him after a 19-yard reception from backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick to the 1-yard line with the 49ers leading 41-3."
Hunter starting at RB, but Gore suiting up for 49ers vs. Eagles
October 2
NFL.com
 
"Rookie running back Kendall Hunter will start for the San Francisco 49ers, but Frank Gore will play in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Gore warmed up on the field at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday morning. A team trainer worked extensively on Gore's injured ankle, which had him questionable for the game."
Team remains in Ohio before trip to Philadelphia
September 27
Sacramento Bee
 
"To prepare for the Eagles, the 49ers will use the home of the Penguins. Instead of flying back to California after Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the 49ers stayed in Ohio, flying northeast to Youngstown, where they will use the facilities at Youngstown State, including the Penguins' indoor practice area in the event of rain. The 49ers' owners, the DeBartolo family, has deep roots in the Youngstown area, and team officials figured that instead of making back-to-back flights into the Eastern time zone, they would stay in Ohio this week and make a short trip to Philadelphia on Friday. On Monday, typically a day off for players, defensive players visited a Boys & Girls Club in"
Gore "good to go," Harbaugh says; Rachal's starting role "to be determined."
September 27
Sacramento Bee
 
"There may be a couple of changes to a struggling 49ers running game that ranks 29th in the league after three weeks, but coach Jim Harbaugh on Monday indicated that the starting tailback would not be one of them. "In my mind right now, Frank is good to go," Harbaugh said of starter Frank Gore. Gore injured his ankle in the second quarter of Sunday's 13-8 win over the Bengals, and he mostly watched as backup, Kendall Hunter, took part in a fourth-quarter touchdown drive, the only one of the game for either team. Gore, however, was not in an orthopedic boot on Monday, Harbaugh said. Harbaugh also referred to Hunter as "the backup tailback." "... In spot play, he graded out very well,""
Harbaugh has decisions to make
September 26
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Jim Harbaugh has decisions to make after this game. The biggest is at running back, where rookie runner Kendall Hunter provided the team with a spark on their clinching, fourth-quarter drive with runs of 10 yards and the 7-yard touchdown scamper. Harbaugh tried to squelch any hint of a running back controversy by saying that Frank Gore was sidelined with an ankle injury. Whatever the reason, Hunter looked quicker and looked like he ran with vision, even though he finished with 26 yards and nine carries for a 2.9 yard average, only slightly better than Gore's 42 yards on 17 carries (2.5). I would sincerely doubt that Hunter will replace Gore. First of all, at 5-7 199 pounds, he's limited in"
Rookie Kendall Hunter comes through
September 26
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Rookie Kendall Hunter saw the most playing time of his career Sunday, and he responded with a go-ahead touchdown run in the 49ers' 13-8 win that spoiled the Cincinnati Bengals' home opener. Was that increased action a result of starter Frank Gore's ankle injury? "No, no. Yes, yes. Yes and no," coach Jim Harbaugh responded. "I mean, Kendall was in the ballgame within the first seven or eight plays in the game. Then he was getting more snaps in response to Frank's ankle." Hunter finished with nine carries for 26 yards, including his 7-yard touchdown run with 3:59 remaining. "It wouldn't have been possible if my linemen didn't block it," said Hunter, who darted into the end zone behind blocks"
Braylon Edwards sidelined 'for a bit' after surgery
September 22
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Wide receiver Braylon Edwards had a surgical procedure on his right knee this week and will be sidelined "for a little bit," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday. CSN Bay Area reported that Edwards suffered a torn meniscus, which could sideline him for about a month. Edwards was injured on a 21-yard reception on San Francisco's third offensive play in a 27-24 overtime loss to the Cowboys last week. While Edwards won't be available when the Niners visit the Bengals on Sunday, it appears wideout Michael Crabtree will return to action after being sidelined last week. Harbaugh said Crabtree would likely be active this week."
49ers WR Edwards is day-to-day
September 21
CSN Bay Area
 
"Receiver Braylon Edwards, who sustained a right knee sprain that limited him to the first three plays of Sunday's game, is listed as day-to-day, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said Monday on 95.7 The Game. Baalke, speaking on his weekly radio show, also said the 49ers expect receiver Michael Crabtree to be available for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Crabtree sat out the 49ers' 27-24 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday with a left foot injury."
49ers' Braylon Edwards sues restaurant for slander
September 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Niners wide receiver Braylon Edwards has filed a $14 million slander lawsuit, claiming he lost his shot at a big-money contract due to false claims that he was directly involved in a bar fight on the early morning of Aug. 1, the Associated Press reported Wednesday. Edwards' suit accuses a restaurant and bar in Birmingham, Mich., and three of its employees of slander, extortion and malicious prosecution. In the aftermath of the fight, the restaurant issued a statement in which it implicated Edwards, stating he was "present and involved.""
Third tight end is signed by 49ers
September 14
Sacramento Bee
 
"The 49ers' search for a third tight end has ended with one-time Atlanta Falcon Justin Peelle. The team signed Peelle (6-foot-4, 251 pounds) to a one-year deal Tuesday and released sixth-round pick Colin Jones. The 49ers have an open spot on their practice squad, and Jones is eligible for it. Peelle, who is from Fresno and played at Oregon, was drafted originally by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round in 2002. He also has played for the Miami Dolphins and Falcons, who acquired him in 2008, the same season running back Michael Turner rushed for 1,699 yards."
49ers coach Jim Harbaugh wants his team noticed
September 13
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Jim Harbaugh said he couldn't find any highlights of his team's season-opening win while flipping through ESPN and NFL Network on Sunday night. The 49ers' head coach found something far better than snippets from San Francisco's 33-17 victory over Seattle: motivation. Harbaugh, who hasn't met a diss - real or perceived - that he couldn't transform into motivational fuel, appears to have ammunition for his team's Week 2 meeting against the Cowboys, who don't lack for national media attention. "It just kind of documents what you know," Harbaugh said of the Niners-free highlights. "What the perception is of our team around the league and around the country. Some people can say that's not fair,"
Michael Crabtree coming off injury, but he's done it before
September 9
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"Here's what they're talking about through the fog in San Francisco as game day approaches … – 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his foot. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee details that Crabtree has come back from injuries that limited his practice time before, specifically last season when a neck injury kept him out of each of San Francisco's preseason games. "In 2009, then-coach Mike Singletary said it was clear that Crabtree, even after missing the entire offseason, was better than any wide receiver the 49ers had at that time and that they needed him to help out the passing game. The depth at the position this year is"
Receiver Michael Crabtree back at full speed, will use special cleat
September 9
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Michael Crabtree has a history of entering seasons fashionably late, and this time, he'll be wearing a "pretty sweet" custom cleat on a twice-broken left foot. "I've been here before," Crabtree said Thursday. "It's nothing new to me. I've got to take on that challenge and be my best." A contract stalemate delayed Crabtree's rookie debut until the 49ers' sixth game of 2009, which he started at Houston coming out of the bye week. Will he start, or even play, in Sunday's season opener against Seattle? Crabtree said he is "ready to go," but offensive coordinator Greg Roman would only say he "hopes" Crabtree plays alongside potential starters Braylon Edwards, Ted Ginn and Joshua Morgan. Roman"
Garrard to 49ers? Harbaugh liked him nine years ago
September 8
Sacramento Bee
 
"By now most 49ers fans probably have heard about Jim Harbaugh's quarterback analysis of 2002. Harbaugh was a lowly Raiders assistant coach that year, and one of his assignments was to rate the quarterbacks coming out in the draft. Harbaugh ended up writing an unconventional report, and it was one of the things that emboldened the 49ers when they placed Harbaugh atop their list of prospective head coached last year. Harbaugh didn't think much of the top two quarterbacks taken that season, David Carr (1st overall) and Joey Harrington (3rd overall), and gave them late-round grades. Harbaugh and the 49ers released Carr sight unseen in July. Conversely, he gave two lightly regarded"
49ers season preview: Facts, figures and projections
September 6
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Can this team finally win under Alex Smith? An ideal system and offensive-minded coach give Smith his best chance at succeeding for a franchise that drafted him first overall in 2005. Coach Jim Harbaugh's arrival - and experience as an NFL quarterback - was enough to convince Smith to return on a one-year, $5 million deal. Smith took this opportunity so seriously, he led offseason workouts both on the field and in the classroom during the labor lockout. What makes the West Coast system so ideal for the cerebral Smith is its detailed nature and reliance on shorter, quicker routes. The 49ers ran a similar look in Smith's rookie season under coordinator Mike McCarthy, but now they have a"
Edwards case is still under NFL review
September 5
CSN Bay Area
 
"There is still no word on whether 49ers receiver Braylon Edwards will miss any games this season under the NFL's personal conduct policy. NFL has not determined whether Edwards will face a suspension for pleading guilty in July to driving while intoxicated. His guilty plea resolved a case stemming from a police stop nearly a year ago. A league spokesman said Sunday the case is still under review."
Rookie RB makes case to be backup
September 3
Sacramento Bee
 
"Rookie Kendall Hunter continues to make a case that he should be Frank Gore's primary backup this season. Hunter entered Thursday's game as the NFL's top rusher in the exhibition season and immediately started to pad his lead. He carried the ball six times for 46 yards on the opening drive, including a 21-yard scamper on third and short. He finished with 57 yards in the 20-17 win over San Diego. Gore started the game at tailback but left before getting a carry. While Anthony Dixon had gotten into the game ahead of Hunter in the three previous preseason outings, Hunter took the first carry against the Chargers. "He's definitely playing well enough to be the No. 2 back," coach Jim"
3 undrafted free agents have a shot at 49ers roster
September 3
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Following the NFL draft in April, the 49ers started the whole ranking-available-prospects process all over again. After the dry eraser went to their draft board, they began constructing a list of the leftovers. That is, the rookie free agents - those college players who were not among the NFL's 254 draftees. Five months later, it appears the Niners might have mined some diamonds in the rough in defensive tackle Demarcus Dobbs, nose tackle Ian Williams and tight end Konrad Reuland. Those three rookies, each undrafted, appear to have a strong shot to stay in San Francisco after the 49ers trim their roster from 80 to 53 players today. How unusual is that? Last season, cornerback"
Alex Smith is the starter
September 2
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Jim Harbaugh said it was fair to say that Alex Smith would be his starter opening day against Seattle after the game. Harbaugh also liked what he saw out of Kendall Hunter and suggested he would be Frank Gore's backup. Harbaugh said that Aldon Smith played with "passion" in collecting two and a half sacks. Thanks to the 49ers, here's some comments from Alex Smith. Did the offense have to come out and prove something tonight? I don't know if we had anything to prove. It's the fourth preseason game. We definitely wanted to get the taste out of our mouth from last week though. Get some rhythm, convert on some third downs, move some chains and hopefully points on the board and we were able to"
49ers' recovering Crabtree limited in 1st practice
August 31
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Michael Crabtree was activated from the physically unable to perform list Tuesday. If his first practice is any indication, however, the Niners wide receiver is not yet able to perform at anything approximating full speed. Crabtree, who had surgery on his broken left foot prior to training camp, spent the first 15 minutes of his debut practice jogging through a series of short routes. He then removed his helmet and red jersey and retreated to an adjoining practice field for individual work. Crabtree later told a group of reporters that he wouldn't be talking, presumably until he completes an entire practice. "Once I get back on that field, I'm going to be the first person talking to"