The San Francisco 49ers seemed set at the receiver position with WR Braylon Edwards and WR Michael Crabtree as the projected starters in 2011. Edwards got injured, never fully recovered and was cut eventually. WR Josh Morgan was emerging as a slot receiver when a leg injury ended his season prematurely. WR Ted Ginn Jr. was hampered by injuries as the season went on and had to sit out a couple of games without making much of an impact in the passing game. WR Kyle Williams played remarkably well but does not have the potential to be a starter yet. WR Brett Swain and WR Joe Hastings were called up as stand-ins and were just that.

The 49ers have an effective receiver corps to work with but the depth is thin and it lacks playmaking ability. This became painfully obvious during the loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game, when Michael Crabtree was the only wide receiver to catch a pass, though it only gained three yards.

Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn Jr. are free agents and may or may not be on the roster in 2012. Morgan is an internal priority to be re-signed. He may not fetch much interest on the free agency market, as he didn’t get enough opportunities to perform due to the early season-ending injury. Ginn Jr. took a pay cut in 2011, though he had an incentive-laden contract. He is an important returner on special teams but is used as a diversion rather than a weapon on offense. Re-signing him will be a question of his asking price.

Should the Niners lose Ted Ginn Jr. they will likely look for a wide receiver in the upcoming draft in April, who can return kick-offs and/or punts. Some six weeks earlier, on 13 March to be precise, the 49ers can add free agents to their roster, who are currently with another team. It is to be expected that the Niners will make some serious inquiries and add depth to the position through free agency. Here is a list of the most talented receivers available:

Dwayne Bowe (27 years, Kansas City Chiefs) had 81 receptions for 1,159 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Bowe earned $2.76m last season and is in for a pay rise, as the Chiefs would give him the franchise tag if this is what it takes to keep him. D-Bowe is a strong receiver who can make difficult catches. He is tough to tackle and able to gain yards after the catch. He is a red zone threat and would help the Niners greatly, though chances seem slim to land him.

Deion Branch (32, New England Patriots) recorded 702 yards on 51 receptions in 2011 and scored 5 touchdowns. He is past his peak and makes less of an impact compared to previous years. He can beat the zone coverage but age and injuries have slowed him down. Branch earned $2.2m last season and won’t be able to demand more money going forward. His lack of blocking ability may put head coach Jim Harbaugh off but Branch’s experience and success could benefit Michael Crabtree and help Josh Morgan’s transition into a number-two.

Plaxico Burress (35, New York Jets) scored 8 touchdowns last season but it is safe to say that he won’t return to the Jets. Burress is a dangerous receiver in the red zone and could help the Niners, who have struggled to score touchdowns from 20 yards or less. On the other hand, Burress hasn’t always been a positive influence in the locker room and his gun shot incident is legendary. Burress would also have to settle for less money because it is doubtful anyone would pay the $3.017m he made in 2011.

Marques Colston (28, New Orleans Saints) caught 80 passes for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2011. The Saints let it be known that they want to bring him back, whether they’ll succeed is a different story. Colston is a big physical receiver in his prime and will try to cash in on his next contract. If the Niners were ready to open up the passing game Colston would be an ideal fit, though his price tag might scare them off.

Early Doucet (26, Arizona Cardinals) had 689 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2011. Doucet is physical and a good blocker but his lack of speed doesn’t make him a deep threat. He is also affordable in terms of salary. Midway through the season I considered him an interesting free agent but as the number-three receiver in Arizona he would hardly become a starter in San Francisco.

Pierre Garcon (25, Indianapolis Colts) missed the 1,000 yard-mark by 53 yards last season and scored 6 touchdowns. The Colts are rebuilding and Garcon will certainly explore the free agency market. Pierre Garcon is an all-around receiver with adequate speed and would be an upgrade for the Niners and pretty much any other team as well. Considering that he earned just $555k last season he will look for a considerable pay rise. The Niners should talk to him, as he might still be affordable regardless.

DeSean Jackson (25, Philadelphia Eagles) scored 4 touchdowns and compiled 961 yards on 58 passes. The Eagles aren’t yet decided on bringing him back. There is no doubt about his talent. He is fast, athletic and has playmaker ability. There are doubts about his attitude, though. Like Garcon he only earned $555k last season and is most definitely after a whole lot of money. It is doubtful that he would fit into Harbaugh’s team-first philosophy. Turning the team into the DeSean 49ers would be the more likely scenario and I don’t think the Niners need another T.O.

Vincent Jackson (29, San Diego Chargers) caught 60 passes for 1,106 yards and 9 touchdowns. He is one of the most athletic wide receivers and is very capable of gaining yardage after the catch. V-Jax and the Chargers have a love-hate relationship and both have indicated that they would like to come to an agreement. Jackson is after a long-term contract and an increase of the $1.14m he was paid in 2011. The Buffalo Bills are reportedly interested in him. Consistency is an issue with Jackson, which makes it doubtful the 49ers would participate in a bidding war.

It is common knowledge that the San Francisco 49ers were one of the best franchises, if not the best in the NFL in the 80s. They went to five NFC Championship games, advanced to four Super Bowls and came home with the Vince Lombardi Trophy on each occasion.

Had it not been for the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers the Niners would have been no less impressive in the 90s. The team reached the NFC Championship game five times, like in the 80s, but managed to reach and win the Super Bowl only once in 1995.

The new millennium turned success into drought. Since the 2003 season the Niners failed to have a winning record, let alone qualify for the postseason. This all changed with the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The expectations were high but I believe that even the most optimistic fans just hoped the team would improve on the 6-10 record of the previous season, compete for a playoff spot in 2012/2013 and have an eye on the Super Bowl in 2013/2014. But things happened much sooner and so changed the fan behavior.

Last Sunday the 49ers were on the verge of making their sixth trip to the Super Bowl, when a fumble from WR Kyle Williams reversed the fortunes and led to New York’s game-winning field goal in overtime. The team did not blame Williams for this miscue. In fact, they showed their support and stressed that they win as a team and lose as a team.

Some fans were not quite as supportive. Williams received death threats, suggesting he should jump from the Golden Gate Bridge or run into a bullet. Those are no fans, those are idiots who vent their anger in the most inappropriate way. Many fans have never witnessed the glorious times of the Niners. Instead they are used to futility and one should think they’d appreciate the amazing season the Niners had under their rookie head coach.

Let’s put one thing into perspective, shall we? Kyle Williams started the season as the number-five wide receiver on the depth chart. Injuries to WR Josh Morgan, WR Ted Ginn Jr. and WR Braylon Edwards, who was later released, increased Williams’ playing time and responsibility. He may not be a number-two receiver yet but he didn’t play like a number-five either.

Kyle Williams is a second-year pro, who had 20 catches in 13 games for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns. Remember his touchdown that gave the Niners a 14-0 lead against the Dallas Cowboys in week 2? Or his touchdown that put away the game against the Arizona Cardinals in week 11? What about his 56-yard touchdown against the St. Louis Rams that sealed the win in week 13?

During the regular season Williams returned two punts for 41 yards. He also had 70 yards on 8 punt returns against the Giants. Kyle Williams did what Jim Harbaugh expected him to do. Williams saw an opportunity to give the offense a better field position and he took it. Unfortunately Williams was tackled 49ers-style and lost the ball.

Do you want to blame LE Ray McDonald because he made “only” 2.5 sacks? Or LCB Carlos Rogers because he had no interception? How about TE Vernon Davis because he could not convert all his catches into touchdowns? Or David Akers who had just one field goal?

Every 49er played hard and wanted to win this ballgame. This includes Kyle Williams. He was just as much a part of San Francisco’s turnaround as every other player who wore the red and gold uniform in 2011/2012. Williams learned a valuable lesson on Sunday and will grow as a player.

Jorge Diaz, former offensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and member of the team that lost the NFC Championship to the St. Louis Rams in 1999 put it best:

“In 1999 I was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which went 11-5 and would make it to the NFC Championship game. We eventually lost to the Rams that year 11-6 and had our chances to win that game. As the football world focuses on a play or mistake made by one player by the 49ers it’s not the reason why they lost. One play doesn’t make or break a game as we were being told. As a player you never know when you will get your chance again and that's what makes this week so hard for many guys who almost made a childhood dream a reality. The things I cherish most about my experience are my teammates and the journey we took and how we had changed the perception of the franchise. One day the team will look back and celebrate this achievement and pride not pain is what they will feel when they remember this season.”

As a fan you should support your team no matter what. Appreciate the success the team has and never take it for granted. Do not look for a scapegoat because of one mistake but if you insist on being an idiot do us all a favor: Quit being a so-called 49ers fan and look for something better to do with your life. The 49ers don’t need you and nobody else does either.

The wide receiver tweeted the news early this morning: “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....”

The release may be a bit of a surprise, considering the Niners are getting very thin at the receiver positions. They lost WR Josh Morgan (broken leg) to a season-ending injury in week 5, WR Ted Ginn Jr suffers from an ankle injury and WR Kyle Williams (concussion) and TE Delanie Walker (jaw) sustained injuries in last week’s game at Seattle. WR Michael Crabtree, WR Brett Swain, TE Vernon Davis and TE Justin Peele are currently the only healthy receivers remaining.

The 49ers have two wideouts on their practice squad, WR Joe Hastings and WR John Matthews, but it looks more likely that the team will look outside the organization to fill the void.

Braylon Edwards came to the Bay Area to challenge Michael Crabtree for the number 1 spot on the roster but injuries and performance in games and practice saw his playing time decrease. The receiver hurt his knee against the Dallas Cowboys in week 2 and missed the next four games. He also suffered a shoulder injury in week 9 at the Washington Redskins and never fully recovered from both injuries. He was inactive against the St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers in week 13 and week 15 respectively.

The former number 3 pick in the 2005 draft played 9 games for the 49ers and started 5 times. He caught 15 passes for 181 yards and no touchdown. Edwards signed a one-year contract this offseason worth $1 million plus $2.5 million incentives, based on receptions and Pro Bowl appearance.

The San Francisco 49ers are chasing a first-round bye in the playoffs and the Seattle Seahawks must win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. Last week the 49ers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3 in what could be described as a lights out performance on many levels. The Seahawks beat the Chicago Bears 38-14 last Sunday and have now won three games in a row and five of their last six games. This is the 26^th regular season meeting between the divisional rivals, with the Seahawks holding a 13-12 lead. Both sides last met in the season opener, when the 49ers won 33-17.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. did not practice all week due to an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. He is unlikely to repeat his performance from week 1, when he returned a kick-off and a punt for a touchdown. WR Kyle Williams is expected to take over Ginn Jr.’s returning duties. RILB Patrick Willis (hamstring) returned to practice as a limited participant on Thursday and remains questionable for the game. He would be a factor against Seattle’s run but may well be on a limited snap count, especially with LB Larry Grant’s great play during his absence. WR Braylon Edwards is still listed as questionable with a knee injury but, unlike last week, should be active. In fact, Ted Ginn Jr.’s injury may open up an opportunity for Edwards to start. FB Bruce Miller (knee) was a limited participant in practice and is expected to start, despite being listed as questionable.

Seattle’s emerging rookie WR Doug Baldwin did not practice on Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. He will be a game-time decision but it would be a huge blow to Seattle’s injury-depleted receiving corps if he couldn’t play. WR Golden Tate will start if Baldwin is inactive. LG Robert Galley (pelvis), QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) and MLB David Hawthorne (knee) are all listed as probable and expected to play.    

The Seahawks, in some ways, play a similar style to the one the 49ers execute so effectively; a run-first offense with a stout defense. QB Tarvaris is no elite quarteback, though he completes 60.7% of his passes for 208.2 yards per game. He has thrown as many touchdowns as interceptions, 12 to be exact, and has a passer rating of 79.2 on the season. Seattle lack a receiving threat but Doug Baldwin, if active, is capable of making big plays. The biggest offensive threat is RB Marshawn Lynch. He is rushing for 1,011 yards in 13 games and averages 4.1 yards per carry. He ran for 11 touchdowns this season and scored a touchdown in each of his last 10 games. Seattle’s offensive line allowed 42 sacks this season, which is one sack per 10.6 passing plays. LE Chris Clemens is by far Seattle’s best pass rusher with 11 sacks in 14 games. Any of their defensive backs is capable of intercepting passes but CB Brandon Browner is particularly aware, leading the team with 6 picks.

Keys to Success

Seattle’s dangerous secondary may force QB Alex Smith to involve the tight ends and running backs more in the passing game.

Establish a running game.

Make sure that Chris Clemens cannot interrupt Alex Smith.

I am sure the Seahawks studied video footage of San Francisco’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers thoroughly but RE Justin Smith and OLB Aldon Smith could be presented with a similar opportunity to put pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Stop Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks will try to run a lot, more so if Doug Baldwin can’t play.

Special teams, especially without Ted Ginn Jr., has to give the Niners favorable field positions.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Braylon Edwards, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks 21-16

The San Francisco 49ers released their final injury report for the Monday Night Football matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Like last week there are four players on the report who are all listed as questionable.

RILB Patrick Willis didn’t practice for a second straight week and will likely miss another game due to a hamstring injury. Larry Grant, who led the team in tackles against the St. Louis Rams and the Arizona Cardinals, will continue to start in Willis’ absence.

LT Joe Staley suffered a concussion in the first quarter of last week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals and was replaced by Alex Boone. Staley was a limited participant in practice on Saturday and could be a game-time decision. Alex Boone will replace him if the veteran isn’t available.

FB Bruce Miller (knee) and WR Braylon Edwards (knee) were limited participants in practice throughout the week but should be ready to play, though it remains to be seen whether Edwards will start.

The Pittsburgh Steelers ruled C Maurkice Pouncey out for the game with an ankle injury. LG Doug Legursky is expected to move to center and Trai Essex will start at left guard. QB Ben Roethlisberger is suffering from an ankle injury but practiced on a limited basis on Friday and Saturday. He is listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision. Charlie Batch will get the start if Roethlisberger is sidelined. RT Marcus Gilbert (illness) and S Troy Polamalu (hamstring) are listed as probable and expected to play. Both were full participants in practice on Saturday.

The 49ers released their final injury report for the second game against the Arizona Cardinals this season. There are only four players on it but each of them is listed as questionable.

RILB Patrick Willis suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s game against the St. Louis Rams and did not practice this week. It is very likely that he will miss the game on Sunday and Larry Grant will get another opportunity to show that he is more than just a special teams player.

CB Carlos Rogers didn’t practice on Wednesday due to a knee injury but was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. He is not expected to miss the game but his injury is a huge blow to the secondary, which has to face WR Larry Fitzgerald.

CB Tarell Brown is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. It’s unlikely that he will miss the game but he and Chris Culliver could take turns covering WR Early Doucet. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Chris Culliver even got the start.

WR Braylon Edwards’ status is still unchanged but unlike last week he is expected to suit up for the game. With a banged-up secondary the Niners will likely activate CB Shawntae Spencer, which would place WR Brett Swain among the inactives again. Braylon Edwards may not start but he could see limited action.

The Arizona Cardinals listed S Kerry Rhodes (foot), TE Todd Heap (hamstring) and LB Joey Porter (knee) as questionable. Rhodes will likely miss his eighth consecutive game this season. Todd Heap is expected to be sidelined and has been a non-factor even when he was active this season. Joey Porter could return to action for the first time in seven weeks, though he lost his starting job to Sam Acho. RB Beanie Wells (knee, hamstring) and P Dave Zastudil (biceps) are listed as probable and ready to go.