Description: The 49ers fourth-round draft pick, running back Marcus Lattimore, has sign a contract with the team, but will likely spend the season on injured reserve.
Insight: The 49ers selected the talented back from South Carolina for a couple of years down the road as they have plenty of talent on their current roster with Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James. Only keeper league owners should be interested in Lattimore this season.
Description: San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday that receiver Anquan Boldin has "picked up the system fast," according to SacBee.com.
Insight: Boldin caught several passes from Colin Kaepernick during practice Tuesday and was the top target for the team's other three quarterbacks. With Michael Crabtree possibly out for the season due to an Achilles' tendon tear, Boldin will be the No. 1 receiver. Crabtree saw 9.4 targets per week and compiled 41 catches, 595 yards and five touchdowns in seven games after Kaepernick became the starter last season.
Description: 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh told Mercury News reporter Cam Inman that he doesn't expect injured wide receiver Michael Crabtree to miss the whole season.
Insight: Crabtree had successful surgery to repair a torn Achilles on Wednesday. Former Raven Anquan Boldin should see more targets while Crabtree is on the shelf.
Description: San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree has suffered a torn Achilles tendon, according to a USA Today report.
Insight: That could end his 2013 season before it begins or at least reduce him to half a season. The receiver had 1,105 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 85 catches in 2012, all career highs.
Description: The 49ers fourth-round draft pick, running back Marcus Lattimore, is not likely to play at all this season.
Insight: The 49ers selected him for a few years down the road as they have plenty of running back talent on their current roster with Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James. Only keeper league owners should be interested in Lattimore this season.
Description: The 49ers used their fourth round draft pick on South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore.
Insight: It remains to be seen whether Lattimore can come back from his latest knee injury. He seems confident that he'll be ready for Week 1 against the Packers.
Description: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: It comes with a $1.5 million base salary, a far cry from the $12 million he earned annually during his two-year stint with the Eagles. Asomugha underachieved in Philadelphia but perhaps playing for a contender will rejuvenate him. He'll be 32 when training camp starts in July.
Description: Jason La Canfora from CBS Sports is reporting that the Browns have traded quarterback Colt McCoy to the 49ers for a pair of draft picks.
Insight: McCoy will only be of use to fantasy owners if Colin Kaepernick gets hurt. Now that McCoy is out of the picture, Brandon Weeden won't face any competition for the starting quarterback job this season.
Description: The Ravens swapped wide receiver Anquan Boldin for the 49ers' sixth-round draft pick on Monday.
Insight: It's a sad end to what was mostly a successful tenure for Boldin in Baltimore. Boldin wasn't willing to take a pay cut and apparently that was enough to send him packing. Expect Boldin and Colin Kaepernick to hook up on plenty of touchdown passes in San Francisco next season.
Description: The 49ers have released kicker David Akers after missing an NFL-high 13 field goals last season.
Insight: Akers was the top fantasy kicker selected last season after booting 44 field goals in 2011-12, an NFL record. His downfall is further proof that fantasy owners shouldn't select a kicker until the last round of drafts.
Description: According to Jason La Canfora from CBS Sports, the 49ers have reached an agreement to trade quarterback Alex Smith, though the deal won't become official until March 12th when the new league year begins.
Insight: La Canfora couldn't confirm which team Smith would be traded to, though Kansas City would seem to be the most likely destination. Smith threw for 13 touchdowns and five interceptions last season before being replaced by Colin Kaepernick in Week 11.
Description: Chris Mortensen from ESPN thinks it's highly unlikely that the 49ers will cut backup quarterback Alex Smith this offseason.
Insight: The Niners would much rather trade Smith than let him go and get nothing back in return. The trouble is, Smith hasn't generated much interest at all around the league. It's a sticky situation for sure and one that may not be resolved until April 1st when Smith becomes eligible to receive his $1 million roster bonus.
Description: ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that 49ers QB Alex Smith hasn't generated much interest on the trade market.
Insight: Three months ago, Smith (13 TD, 5 INT in 10 games) was the quarterback for a division-leader. Today, he's trapped on that same team with no way out. It seems like a waste to keep Smith as a backup but for some reason, nobody is jumping at the chance to acquire a quarterback who threw for a QB rating of 104.1 in 2012. Maybe the market will open up for Smith later this offseason, but for now it looks like he'll remain with the 49ers.
Description: San Francisco wideout Randy Moss implied that he isn't planning on re-signing with the 49ers this offseason. SOURCE: Tom Curran, Comcast New England
Insight: Moss hasn't seen many targets from Colin Kaepernick this postseason and that obviously hasn't sat well with the veteran wide receiver. Some wondered if Moss might retire if the 49ers won the Super Bowl but it appears the 35-year-old is dead-set on playing again in 2013. It just doesn't look like he'll be playing for the 49ers.
Description: Comcast Bay Area reports that Niners defensive end Justin Smith will have surgery on his injured triceps after the Super Bowl.
Insight: Smith says he's feeling better but he still estimates that his left triceps is at least 50 percent torn. The 33-year-old has recorded nine tackles this postseason.
Description: San Francisco QB Alex Smith is expected to ask for his release after the season according to Mike Fiorio from Profootballtalk.com.
Insight: Smith missed one week because of a concussion and never saw the field again (with the exception of one pass in the season finale against the Cardinals) after coach Jim Harbaugh handed the controls over to second-year sensation Colin Kaepernick. Smith (104.1 QB rating, 13 TD, 5 INT) was having a solid season before he got hurt so he shouldn't have any trouble landing a starting job if the 49ers cut him.
Description: 49ers halfback Frank Gore was fined $10,500 by the NFL for wearing his socks too low in last week's NFC Championship game.
Insight: ESPN's Adam Schefter says Gore received a warning from the league earlier in the season before finally getting hit with the fine on Wednesday. Obviously this won't affect his fantasy value but it's still worth noting that Gore received a harsher penalty than Tom Brady, who essentially kicked Ed Reed during Sunday's AFC Championship (Brady was fined only $10,000).
Description: San Francisco 49ers backup running back LaMichael James was in on just 10-of-55 offensive plays against Atlanta.
Insight: Despite the small amount of playing time, James rushed for 34 yards and a score on five carries. The Baltimore run defense gave up about the same amount of yards as the Falcons' defense during the regular season, so James could see a similar workload in the Super Bowl.
Description: Matt Maiocco from Comcast Bay Area reports that David Akers will handle the kicking duties for San Francisco in Super Bowl XLVII.
Insight: Akers cost the Niners three points by missing a very makeable 38-yarder Sunday against the Falcons. San Francisco's other option at kicker for next week is journeyman Billy Cundiff, so it makes senses to stick with Akers.
Description: In just his ninth NFL start, 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick threw for 233 yards and a touchdown with zero turnovers in a hostile environment to help San Francisco advance to the Super Bowl.
Insight: Kaepernick completed 16-of-21 passes to bring the 49ers back from 17-0 down to beat the Falcons in Atlanta. It wasn't quite up to the caliber of last week against the Packers but Kaepernick was still impressive Sunday.
Description: San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis caught five passes for 106 yards and a touchdown Sunday to help the Niners reach the Super Bowl.
Insight: Davis took advantage of an Atlanta defense that was shredded by Seattle tight end Zach Miller last week. Davis had a disappointing 548 yards and five touchdowns on 41 catches despite playing all 16 games in 2012 and will be bumped down in 2013 fantasy drafts.
Description: San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree will start Sunday in the NFC Championship game at Atlanta.
Insight: Police questioned Crabtree on Friday in connection with an alleged sexual assault but the investigation came too late in the week to seriously impact Crabtree's status for Sunday's game. The receiver had 1,105 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 85 catches this season, all career highs, and caught nine balls on 11 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the NFC Divisional playoff game.
Description: Police are reportedly investigating 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree for an alleged sexual assault. This comes less than 48 hours before San Francisco is scheduled to play Atlanta in the NFC Championship game. SOURCE: San Francisco FOX affiliate KTVU.
Insight: Crabtree had 1,105 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 85 catches this season, all career highs, and caught nine balls on 11 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the NFC Divisional playoff game. In all likelihood, he will be on the field Sunday against the Falcons.
Description: San Francisco left tackle Joe Staley is probable for the NFC Championship on Sunday against Atlanta with an injured right arm.
Insight: Staley played most of Saturday's game with the injury to his right arm while trying to hold off All-Pro Clay Matthews. X-rays after the game were negative and its being called a deep bruise.
Description: San Francisco made its most extensive use of the "Pistol" formation Saturday, the same offense QB Colin Kaepernick used when he played at Nevada. San Francisco OC Greg Roman said that the 49ers intentionally didn't use the formation at all in Week 17 after barely using it in Week 16 against Seattle to throw opponents off. "We didn't use it against the Cardinals because we wanted people to think we weren't going to use it," said Roman, who admitted that the team used the formation more than 50 percent of the time Saturday in the 49ers' divisional round win over Green Bay. SOURCE: Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
Insight: Kaepernick torched the Packers in his playoff debut for 263 passing yards, 181 rushing yards and four total touchdowns. The performance put San Francisco in the NFC Championship for the second straight year and validated coach Jim Harbaugh's decision to switch from Alex Smith to Kaepernick midway through the season.
Description: San Francisco DE Justin Smith (triceps) is active for Saturday's divisional round playoff game against Green Bay.
Insight: Smith isn't even close to 100 percent but it's the playoffs, so he's going to give it a go. He isn't a stats guy but he takes up blockers and allows Aldon Smith to get loose. Aldon failed to pick up a sack after Justin was injured in Week 15.
Description: 49ers defensive end Justin Smith expects to play Saturday against Green Bay. Smith missed the final two games of the regular season with a partially torn triceps.
Insight: Smith isn't even close to 100 percent but it's the playoffs, so it looks like he's going to give it a go. You have to admire Smith's guts though it's unclear how effective he'll be. Smith had 66 tackles and three sacks during the regular season.
Description: San Francisco backup tight end Delanie Walker has been a better option than starter Vernon Davis over the last seven games.
Insight: With Colin Kaepernick as the starting quarterback since Week 11, Walker has posted 14 receptions for 255 yards and two scores to 12-144-1 for Davis. Neither is great, but Walker is the better of the two options.
Description: San Francisco 49ers' newly acquired place-kicker Billy Cundiff was seen working out at Candelstick Park, according to a San Jose Mercury report. David Akers was not there.
Insight: Cundiff and Akers could both be active on Saturday which would make it tough on fantasy owners. Coach Jim Harbaugh indicated there is a "leader in the clubhouse" but wouldn't elaborate on who that person was. Picking a 49ers kicker for Saturday will be a big gamble unless we get more information.
Description: Former Pro-Bowl kicker Billy Cundiff was signed by the San Francisco 49ers.
Insight: Cundiff will compete with David Akers over the next week to see who will be the place-kicker. Akers was just 29-of-42 this season while dealing with a hip injury. Cundiff was 7-of-12 this season. He was cut by Baltimore, signed by Washington, then cut by the Redskins in favor of Kai Forbath.
Description: The 49ers officially cut ties with running back Brandon Jacobs on Monday.
Insight: Jacobs' stint in San Francisco was pretty much a disaster from start to finish. He only saw five carries all season and was suspended for the final three games of the season after complaining about a lack of playing time. At age 30, it looks like Jacobs could be nearing the end of his career. Even if he's lost a step or two, Jacobs is still enormous (6-foor-4, 264 pounds) and that size advantage alone could be enough to get him an invite to training camp next summer.
Description: San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick tossed two touchdowns passes as part of a 276-yard day against the Cardinals in Week 17.
Insight: Kaepernick threw for 1,608 yards with 10 touchdowns and three picks and rushed for 238 yards with two touchdowns in the final seven games after taking over starting QB duties in Week 11.
Description: San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree emphatically went over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career Sunday against the Cardinals with eight catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns.
Insight: Crabtree needed 67 yards to reach the millennium mark but he blew by it and finished with 1,105. His 85 catches and nine touchdowns were also career highs.
Description: While 49ers tight end Delanie Walker would start if Vernon Davis (concussion) cannot play on Sunday, CSN Bay Area expects Garrett Celek (younger brother of Brent) to see extended playing time as well.
Insight: Walker has 19 receptions for 294 yards and three scores this season. However, he shouldn't be started in fantasy leagues even if Davis is absent Sunday; the Niners haven't even used Davis that much over the past five games (five catches) and Celek will probably get some snaps as well.
Description: San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (concussion) returned to practice for non-contact drills Thursday. He has been cleared by an independent neurologist and passed an exertion test. SOURCE: Matt Barrows, Sacramento Bee
Insight: Davis is on track to play in Week 17 against Arizona but fantasy owners should look elsewhere. The 49ers tight end has just five catches on 10 targets over his last five games.
Description: San Francisco DE Justin Smith has a partially torn left triceps. He missed Sunday's game after hurting his arm against the Patriots in Week 15. SOURCE: Sacramento Bee
Insight: Smith's injury was listed as an elbow injury because a bone spur became detached when Smith's triceps tendon partially tore, a team spokeman said. The DE isn't a stat machine but causes havoc on the defensive line and takes up blockers to get his superstar linebackers Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman and Aldon Smith free. Aldon hasn't had a sack in the last two games after picking up 19.5 in the first 13.
Description: San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, who suffered a concussion in the game against Seattle, is not practicing Wednesday.
Insight: Forty-Niners coach Jim Harbaugh called it minor and is optimistic that he will play on Sunday, but these days any concussion requires testing. Davis hasn't done much over the past four games catching a total of five passes for 56 yards and no scores.
Description: San Francisco receiver Randy Moss is going to have to come up big in the season finale and into the playoffs with Mario Manningham done for the season with a knee injury and Vernon Davis' status up in the air after suffering a concussion.
Insight: Moss saw a season-high six targets against Seattle, catching three for 44 yards. He could be useful in playoff fantasy leagues.
Description: San Francisco receiver Mario Manningham's season came to an end in Week 16 after suffering an ACL injury.
Insight: Manningham wasn't a reliable every-week performer with Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick under center. The 49ers will use a combination of Randy Moss and rookie A.J. Jenkins across from their No. 1 option Michael Crabtree.
Description: San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis suffered a concussion in the game against Seattle.
Insight: 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh called it minor, but any concussion these days requires testing. Davis hasn't done much over the past four games catching a total of five passes for 56 yards and no scores.
Description: San Francisco DE Justin Smith isn't expected to play Sunday at Seattle. He's dealing with an elbow injury. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: Smith's absence should make things easier for Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch to get things done. The DE isn't a stat machine but causes havoc on the defensive line and takes up blockers to get his superstar linebackers Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman and Aldon Smith free.
Description: 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs has been suspended for the final three games of the regular season.
Insight: Jacobs recently expressed dissatisfaction with his role, saying he's "rotting away" on the bench. He didn't see a carry until Week 12 after missing time with a knee injury early in the year. Our guess is that Jacobs has played his final game as a 49er. San Francisco will rely on LaMichael James and Anthony Dixon to back up Frank Gore (1,035 yards, 7 TDs).
Description: San Francisco receiver Mario Manningham (shoulder) is inactive Sunday.
Insight: Manningham hasn't been a reliable every-week performer, even with Colin Kaepernick under center. Perhaps we'll finally see an A.J. Jenkins sighting.
Description: San Francisco receiver Mario Manningham is questionable for Sunday's game against Miami after leaving this weekend's game in the fourth quarter with a sore shoulder.
Insight: Manningham has caught five balls in each of the past two games, the ones started by Colin Kaepernick. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis would benefit from Manningham's absence.
Description: Niners coach Jim Harbaugh is sticking with Colin Kaepernick as his starter despite the quarterback's uneven performance in Sunday's loss to St. Louis.
Insight: Kaepernick's intentional grounding penalty in the second quarter resulted in a safety and later on he committed a costly fumble that allowed the Rams to tie the game at 10-10. Luckily for Kaepernick, he faces the Dolphins in Week 14 (27th in the NFL in passing defense).
Description: Coach Jim Harbaugh announced that QB Colin Kaepernick will be the starter for the 49ers in Week 13.
Insight: Kaepernick wasn't nearly as good against New Orleans as he was against the Chicago. As opponents see more of Kaepernick they will likely develop a better defensive game plan. The San Francisco quarterback situation will continue to be a week-to-week proposition.
Description: The 49ers handed linebacker NaVorro Bowman a five-year, $42.25 million extension with $25.5 million in guaranteed money Tuesday.
Insight: Bowman forms the most fearsome inside linebacking duo in the NFL with Patrick Willis and San Francisco made sure it will have both players together for quite awhile. Willis and San Francisco's two other starting 'backers are also signed through 2015.
Description: San Francisco running back Kendall Hunter is out for the season with an Achilles tear, the Sacramento Bee confirmed Tuesday.
Insight: CSN Bay Area expects Brandon Jacobs to get the first chance at replacing Hunter as Frank Gore's backup, with Anthony Dixon and rookie LaMichael James providing depth.
Description: San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore could be in for more of the workload with last Sunday's injury to Kendall Hunter.
Insight: Gore is averaging 16 rushing attempts per game, down slightly from last season (17.6), but could see an increase over the next few games. The 49ers haven't said who will be his primary backup. The choices are LaMichael James, Anthony Dixon and Brandon Jacobs.
Description: San Francisco running back Kendall Hunter is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with an ankle injury. Tests haven't been announced but sources are saying he sustained a fracture.
Insight: The 49ers are deep at the running back position. Frank Gore will assume an even bigger role with increased fantasy value. His backup has yet to be determined but will likely be LaMichael James or Brandon Jacobs. They also have Anthony Dixon on their roster.
Description: Comcast Bay Area reports that 49ers halfback Kendall Hunter received an MRI on his left ankle on Monday.
Insight: It's looking like the injury could be a high ankle sprain. Frank Gore receives most of the carries out of the San Francisco backfield anyway, so this shouldn't have much of an impact on fantasy owners.
Description: San Francisco receiver Kyle Williams tore his left ACL Sunday against the Saints and will miss the rest of the season. SOURCE: Matt Maiocco, CSNBayArea.com
Insight: Best known for losing two fumbles on punt returns in the NFC Championship game versus the Giants last season, Williams has been San Francisco's No. 4 receiver this year even though the team drafted A.J. Jenkins in the first round. This doesn't figure to change the 49ers' offense much.
Description: San Francisco QB Colin Kaepernick beat Drew Brees and the Saints in his second NFL start Sunday. Kaepernick finished 16-of-25 for 231 yards with two touchdowns.
Insight: Kaepernick ran in a score in the first quarter and threw a touchdown to Frank Gore in the third. He was also picked off once but cemented his status as the team's starting quarterback. The 49ers will rematch St. Louis next week -- the teams tied in Week 10 with Kaepernick struggling in relief of a concussed Alex Smith.
Description: San Francisco running back Brandon Jacobs is active for Week 12 against New Orleans.
Insight: Even if Jacobs is 100 percent, he won't hold much fantasy value as he's well down on the depth chart. This should not change anyone's fantasy lineup.
Description: San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith (concussion) is active for Week 12 against New Orleans, but will not start.
Insight: Given how well backup Colin Kaepernick played against Chicago it's no surprise that he replaced Smith. Hopefully you picked up Kaepernick as an insurance policy last week.
Description: San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith was medically cleared Thursday following concussion testing but the team will proceed with its plan to start Colin Kaepernick against the Saints. SOURCE: Ed Werder, ESPN
Insight: If Kaepernick is still available in your league be sure to snatch him up. He'll likely be a top-10 fantasy QB this week against a Saints defense that has been one of the most generous units in the league.
Description: San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith (concussion symptoms) practiced on Wednesday, though he did not take any hits.
Insight: Given how well backup Colin Kaepernick played against Chicago, if there is any question to Smith's health the 49ers will likely err on the side of caution. Hopefully you picked up Kaepernick as an insurance policy last week.
Description: Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee believes the 49ers are leaning toward starting Colin Kaepernick at quarterback Sunday against the Saints.
Insight: Kaepernick had an excellent game Monday night against Chicago, completing 16-of-23 passes for 243 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Alex Smith missed the game because of a concussion and is listed as questionable for Week 12.
Description: San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith is questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans due to his ongoing concussion symptoms.
Insight: Given how well backup Colin Kaepernick played against Chicago, if there is any question to Smith's health the 49ers will likely err on the side of caution. Hopefully you picked up Kaepernick as an insurance policy last week.
Description: Fantasy alert: Niners quarterback Alex Smith has been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Bears according to Chris Mortensen from ESPN. Smith is still recovering from a concussion and was unable to receive clearance from a neurologist.
Insight: He'll hand the reigns over to backup Colin Kaepernick. Hopefully you picked up Kaepernick as an insurance policy earlier in the week.
Description: San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith (concussion) practiced in the non-contact jersey for the fourth straight day but Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group thinks he will start Monday against the Bears.
Insight: If Smith was in any danger of missing Monday's game we doubt he'd be out on the field at all. With a showdown versus the Bears on the docket, you won't be starting Smith in fantasy. Most of his weapons will be shaky plays as well.
Description: 49ers QB Alex Smith (concussion) returned to a limited practice Thursday, a sign that he's on track to play Monday against the Bears.
Insight: "If there was any doubt, he wouldn't have been out there," CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco tweeted Thursday. "Expect him to play." Smith passed concussion tests Wednesday, three days after exiting early from San Francisco's tie versus St. Louis.
Description: 49ers QB Alex Smith has passed all his concussion tests and should be on track to play Monday night against the Bears according to ESPN.
Insight: Smith injured himself about halfway through Sunday's tie against St. Louis. His 104.1 QB rating through nine games is the highest of his career.
Description: San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis failed to score a touchdown for the sixth straight game Sunday against the Rams.
Insight: Davis looked poised for a career year after he caught four touchdowns the first three games but he hasn't found the end zone since. He's compounded that by averaging 39.2 yards per game during his drought.
Description: San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree had 70 yards and a touchdown on five receptions Sunday against the Rams.
Insight: Crabtree had two TDs against Arizona prior to the bye. He'll have a tough matchup in Week 11 against the Bears but faces the Saints in Week 12 and the Rams again the following week.
Description: San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith left Sunday's game versus the Rams after taking a big hit while scrambling. He has been ruled out for the rest of the game with a concussion.
Insight: Smith turned into a hit while going down at the end of a run and took the brunt of it to the back of his head. Colin Kaepernick will play QB the rest of the game.
Description: San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (ribs) is probable for Monday night against the Cardinals
Insight: Gore came out late in San Francisco's victory over Seattle last Thursday due to a rib injury. According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Gore said he's feeling better. "It's lessened a lot," Gore said. "A lot. I'm sleeping good." You can safely start him in Week 8 even though the 49ers are playing Monday.
Description: San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (ribs) said he "did everything" in practice Monday and thinks he'll be fine for next Monday's game, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Insight: Gore came out late in San Francisco's victory over Seattle last Thursday due to a rib injury. With 11 days in between games, he should be fine for Week 8.
Description: San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore went for x-rays after Thursday's game and was diagnosed with bruised, but not broken ribs.
Insight: With 10 days until his next start, Monday night at Arizona, he should be good to go. On Thursday, Gore posted his highest rushing total of the season - 136 yards.
Description: San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith was picked off three times Sunday in a loss to the Giants.
Insight: Smith had thrown just one pick all year before Sunday's game and he only threw five interceptions all season in 2011. He'll have a chance to redeem himself this Thursday against the 4-2 Seahawks.
Description: San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith is probable for Sunday's game against the NY Giants with a finger injury on his throwing hand.
Insight: Smith is coming off a huge day, throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns in a dominating win over Buffalo. He's thrown eight touchdowns passes to just one interception and is a viable fantasy option. Can anyone still remember the pre-Jim Harbaugh days when Smith was in danger of losing his job?
Description: San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith is dealing with a sprained middle finger on his throwing hand, which coach Jim Harbaugh said is "very much of a concern," according to the San Francisco Chronicle. However, Smith insists it's not a big deal.
Insight: Smith has an 8-to-1 TD/INT ratio in five games and has only thrown six interceptions in his last 21 games. He has a favorable matchup this week against the Giants and should be able to exploit it despite the injured finger.
Description: San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns Sunday against the Bills.
Insight: Smith was coming off two down games from a fantasy standpoint but he shredded Buffalo in Week 5. He has an 8-to-1 TD/INT ratio in five games and has only thrown six interceptions in his last 21 games.
Description: San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree scored his first touchdown and had his first 100-yard game of the season Sunday against the Bills.
Insight: Crabtree has been much improved as a fantasy performer this season, especially in PPR leagues. He has made six-plus catches in four of five games.
Description: San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore notched his second 100-yard rushing game of the season Sunday against the Bills.
Insight: Gore has carried the ball less than 20 times in four of five games this season but that hasn't stopped him from being a valuable fantasy running back. Through five games, Gore has 432 yards and four touchdowns on 80 carries (5.4 ypc).
Description: San Francisco receiver Randy Moss only played seven snaps in the second half, according to csnbayarea.com.
Insight: Moss saw six targets but only caught three for 27 yards. The veteran let a high pass skip through his hands in the first half. Through three weeks, Moss has yet to reach 100 yards receiving and has just one touchdown on eight catches so he can be ignored in fantasy leagues.
Description: 49ers LB Patrick Willis left Sunday's game with a sprained ankle but the team doesn't think it's serious and he's expected to be ready for next Sunday against the Jets.
Insight: Willis is a key player in the 49ers defense and his loss would certainly be felt, but at this point we don't expect to have that problem. The 49ers defense should be a good play in Week 4 against a Jets offense that hasn't done much since Week 1.
Description: San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith has now gone 185 passing attempts in a row without throwing an interception.
Insight: That's a new San Francisco record. Remember, this is a team with a history of tremendous quarterback play highlighted by Joe Montana's and Steve Young's tenures in the late 80's and 1990's, so this is no small feat. Smith really came into his own last season (17 TD, 5 INT, career-high 3,144 yards) and got his 2012 campaign off to a great start with a two-touchdown, 211-yard effort Sunday versus Green Bay. Look for Smith to have another strong game in Week 2 when the 49ers take on Detroit in their home opener.
Description: San Francisco running back Frank Gore rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries Sunday against the Packers.
Insight: Gore's role is going to be reduced this season, especially when Brandon Jacobs returns from a knee injury, but that might not matter if the 49ers offensive line blocks as well as it did yesterday. Gore's long was only 23 yards, but he had nine carries of five-plus yards and four of 10-plus. Kendall Hunter chipped in 41 yards on nine carries.
Description: San Francisco receiver Randy Moss moved into second on the all-time receiving touchdowns list in Week 1, moving past Terrell Owens with his 154th career receiving TD.
Insight: Moss caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. The veteran's value is going to be solely tied to his ability to find the end zone so expect a few goose eggs along the way this season.
Description: San Francisco running back Frank Gore would gain fantasy value if Brandon Jacobs (knee) can't go on Sunday and Jacobs missed Wednesday and Friday's practice after doing some jogging on Thursday.
Insight: Gore was fifth in the NFL in carries last year with 282 and rushed for 1,211 yards. While that number should be lower this season, as long as Jacobs is out of the lineup he'll be the goal line back.
Description: San Francisco running back Brandon Jacobs is questionable for Sunday's game against Green Bay with a knee injury after missing Friday's practice.
Insight: Even if Jacobs is 100 percent, he probably won't hold much fantasy value this season in the 49ers crowded backfield. Frank Gore should gain value with Jacobs absence as he'll be the goal line back over either Kendall Hunter or LaMichael James.
Description: San Francisco running back Brandon Jacobs is questionable for Sunday's game against Green Bay with a knee injury.
Insight: Even if Jacobs is 100 percent, he probably won't hold much fantasy value this season in the 49ers crownded backfield headed by Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and rookie LaMichael James.
Description: The knee injury Brandon Jacobs suffered in Saturday night's preseason game versus Houston doesn't appear to be as serious as the 49ers had originally thought. An MRI on Sunday revealed no major damage.
Insight: Consider Jacobs questionable for the season opener in Green Bay on September 9th. Even if Jacobs is 100 percent by then, he probably won't carry a whole lot of weight in fantasy this season as Frank Gore will be the 49ers' featured back.
Description: After 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs left Saturday's game with a knee injury, San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said the running back will miss time but won't be out for the season.
Insight: X-rays were negative, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, so it appears Jacobs avoided an ACL tear or a ruptured patellar tendon. Jacobs will have an MRI Sunday that should provide more information on just how much time he'll have to miss.
Description: San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter rushed for 46 yards on six carries Saturday night against the Texans.
Insight: Brandon Jacobs was helped off the field and carted to the locker room with what appeared to be a significant knee injury. That could open up more touches for Hunter, making him a legit RB2 in PPR leagues.
Description: San Francisco running back Brandon Jacobs left Saturday's exhibition game with what appeared to be a serious knee injury, according to NFL.com.
Insight: Jacobs was hit directly in the left knee by Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson and remained on the ground before being helped off the field and carted to the locker room. A serious injury for Jacobs would results in more touches for veteran Frank Gore and second-year back Kendall Hunter.
Description: ESPN NFC West reporter Mike Sando confirmed SI.com's Jim Trotter's expectation that San Francisco will only play wide receiver Randy Moss 20-25 plays per game.
Insight: Sando said a "rotational role" appears to be the likely scenario for Moss. The 35-year-old will have to compete with Mario Manningham, Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis and rookie A.J. Jenkins for targets, so he may struggle to have consistent fantasy value on a team that figures to run the ball a lot.
Description: According to ESPN's NFC West reporter Mike Sando, 49ers running back Kendall Hunter "has enjoyed a tremendous camp."
Insight: The 49ers' backfield is crowded, with incumbent starter Frank Gore, free agent signee Brandon Jacobs and rookie LaMichael James on board along with Hunter. Gore may not be on the field enough to even justify his current price tag (fantasyfootballcalculator.com ADP: 4.05), as Hunter will be the third-down back and Jacobs will handle goal-line duties.
Description: According to Comcast Sports Bay Area, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman remarked that wide reciver Michael Crabtree has never looked as fast as he has during this year's training camp.
Insight: Crabtree is tentatively slotted ahead of Mario Manningham and Randy Moss on San Francisco's receiving depth chart. The 24-year-old will need to continue to impress his offensive coordinator if he wants to remain in that position because the margin for error is pretty slim in this talented receiving corps.
Description: San Francisco wide receiver Randy Moss will likely be limited to 20-25 plays a game to keep him fresh, says Jim Trotter of SI.com.
Insight: If true, Moss is going to have very little fantasy value. If Moss is playing as well as they say he is, it might be hard to keep him off the field that much, though the 49ers are suddenly deep at receiver with the additions of Moss, Mario Manningham and A. J. Jenkins.
Description: San Francisco wide receiver Randy Moss played sparingly in the 49ers first preseason game and didn't catch a pass.
Insight: It's early, but it is usually better to get a guy like Moss involved in a game to keep him happy. It's still too soon to know what to expect from Moss this season. He still has stuff left in the tank, but whether we will see enough of it to make him fantasy-worthy is another story. Stay tuned.
Description: San Francisco WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr. is expected to start opposite Michael Crabtree in the 49ers first preseason game, stated coach Jim Harbaugh on Thursday to Matt Maiocco of csnbayarea.com
Insight: The 49ers brought in a lot of receiving talent in the off-season, namely Mario Manningham, Randy Moss and rookie A.J. Jenkins and we don't expect Ginn to see much significant time other than special teams this season. This start doesn't change those expectations.
Description: 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (calf) returned to practice on Monday says a report on csnbayarea.com. The fourth-year receiver probably won't be ready for the first preseason game on Friday, but may yet play in an exhibition game before his career ends.
Insight: Crabtree faces a crowded 49ers receiving corps which now includes veterans Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and rookie A.J. Jenkins. It remains to be seen if Crabtree will see 115 targets as he did in 2011. Beware of a significant drop in production in 2012.
Description: Washington wide receiver Josh Morgan is dealing with a hamstring injury, but could return early next week according to coach Mike Shanahan.
Insight: Morgan had a little fantasy value in 2009 and 2010 with the 49ers, but will likely sit behind Pierre Garcon, Santana Moss and Leonard Hankerson. Barring multiple injuries, he shouldn't figure in your fantasy plans.
Description: San Francisco wide receiver Randy Moss "absolutely has something left" in Sports Illustrated writer Peter King's opinion.
Insight: If Moss does come back strong, that would mean his lackluster 2010 season was nothing more than another mail-in by the wide receiver rather than a decline in skills. While he may have burned some bridges with fantasy owners, it would be foolish to ignore his upside as long as he doesn't come with too high of a price tag.
Description: According to reports out of CSN Bay Area, first-round wide receiver A.J. Jenkins may have trouble finding consistent opportunities in his rookie season.
Insight: The addition of Mario Manningham and Randy Moss in the off-season will push the rookie's progress back by at least a year. He's only got value in keeper leagues.
Description: San Francisco WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr. is healthy (knee) and should win the kick return duties for the 49ers, but there seems to be few opportunities for him to move up the receiving depth chart.
Insight: The 49ers brought in a lot of receiving talent in the off-season, namely Mario Manningham, Randy Moss and rookie A.J. Jenkins. Ginn figures to return kicks but contribute little else and his only fantasy value is likely to be as a contributor to the 49ers defense/special teams.
Description: San Francisco wide receiver Randy Moss has practiced very well at the minicamps and apparently will enter training camp as a starter.
Insight: The question with Moss is never about talent, its about motivation. If he comes to play on every down he can be a dynamic receiver, but if his head's not in the game he can disappear as he did in Oakland and Tennessee.
