Edwards’ inactivity based on practice, game performance
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2011/12/20/edwards-inactivity-based-on-practice-game-performance/
On Monday night, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said wide receiver Braylon Edwards was inactive against the Steelers because he felt Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams gave the Niners “the best chance.” In addition, he added, San Francisco wanted to use Brett Swain as a No. 4 wide receiver due to his special-teams ability.
The fact that Harbaugh didn’t mention Edwards’ health – he was questionable with a knee injury – was an indication of how far Edwards has fallen. The special-teams play of Swain is more valuable to the team than the wide-receiving ability of Edwards? Who would have thought?
But this, obviously, hasn’t been the same wideout who had 16 touchdown catches with the Browns in 2007 and averaged 17.1 yards on 53 catches with the Jets last year. This season, Edwards has 14 catches in eight games, including one catch – for five yards – in his past three contests.
Today, Harbaugh was asked why he felt the other three wideouts gave the Niners the best chance Monday.
“Just based on the practices and the games,” he said.
Edwards could return to the active roster on Saturday against the Seahawks due to the ankle injury Ginn suffered Monday. Harbaugh didn’t update Ginn’s status, but seemed to indicate San Francisco might be without his services. Ginn had a kickoff return and punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 33-17 season-opening win against the Seahawks.
“We’ll see with Ted,” Harbaugh said. “But I think we’ll be … Braylon should be ready to go and look for a good week of practice there.”
* Linebacker Patrick Willis was predictably vague, but did not rule out the possibility of playing against Seattle. Willis has missed the past two games with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
“I’m certainly hoping so,” Willis said of playing Saturday. “… I most certainly hope to get back soon.”
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