I'm wondering if the Michael Lewis concussion situation (2 concussions within 11 days), has become a meaningful factor in shaping the Final 53 roster. I would not be surprised if the club is very concerned about Lewis' abilty to continue to perform at a high level over 16 or more games. I could even envision Lewis' family convincing him to retire, right now, before the season.
Lewis has played through a variety of significant injuries over the last 2 years, that would have sent a lesser man to the IR. Lewis has been a warrior in every sense. But Singletary's comments about the 2 concussions being unrelated smacks of naivete. Of course, one concussion makes a player more susceptible to the next one. That's a medical fact. Ask Steve Young.
So, we see the very green Curtis Taylor, who seems to have a lot of Michael Lewis' hitting ability, contimue to stick on the 53-man roster, instead of taking a PS spot (say, in place of roster-fodder, WR Dobson Collins). I liked what I saw from Taylor vs San Diego, and I suspect that the Niner coaching staff did also. Because of the uncertainty surrounding Michael Lewis, I see Taylor'roster spot as more firm, than it otherwise might be. But if Michael Lewis cannot go, the Niners would be pretty green at safety, with Goldson (FS) and Roman (SS), as the starters, and Smith (FS) and Taylor (SS), as the back-ups. That's a disconforting situation, when coupled with an uncertain pass rush.
When/if they need to clear another spot for Crabtree, I expect that the most likely candidate to waive would be Spurlock or one of the 7 DL, not Taylor.
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Mixchael Lewis concussion situation shaping roster?
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Sep 7, 2009 at 2:14 PM
- jimbagg
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Sep 7, 2009 at 2:37 PM
- MadDog49er
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Note to Noobs: This is the way to start a thread. Quality.
I agree that it appears the Niners are playing conservative with Lewis' physical condition. Carry five safeties is irregular, especially since Hudson can double-duty at safety, if needed.
I'm not sure the Niners would feel comfortable carrying three young pups at safety if Lewis continues to have issues. Wouldn't be surprised to see a waiver wire acquisition.
I still think Hill is not safe at WR if Crabtree reports. Spurlock is a guy the team can stash on the PS, but he is the main guy at the Wildcat, and has tremendous versatility. I don't see the same with Hill.
Note: After reviewing Spurlock's career, he is ineligible for the PS. Although he has not accumulated too many active games, he has been on PS's for three years already, which is the limit.
[ Edited by MadDog49er on Sep 7, 2009 at 20:13:48 ]
I agree that it appears the Niners are playing conservative with Lewis' physical condition. Carry five safeties is irregular, especially since Hudson can double-duty at safety, if needed.
I'm not sure the Niners would feel comfortable carrying three young pups at safety if Lewis continues to have issues. Wouldn't be surprised to see a waiver wire acquisition.
I still think Hill is not safe at WR if Crabtree reports. Spurlock is a guy the team can stash on the PS, but he is the main guy at the Wildcat, and has tremendous versatility. I don't see the same with Hill.
Note: After reviewing Spurlock's career, he is ineligible for the PS. Although he has not accumulated too many active games, he has been on PS's for three years already, which is the limit.
[ Edited by MadDog49er on Sep 7, 2009 at 20:13:48 ]
Sep 7, 2009 at 2:38 PM
- 9rFan84
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Well written and I agree. I think one of the DL will get waived to make room
Sep 7, 2009 at 2:38 PM
- susweel
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Who's Mixchael ??????????
Sep 7, 2009 at 2:40 PM
- HessianDud
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wow, what a great point. I had totally forgotten about Lewis' concussions (stupid me). Now it makes much more sense why they would hang onto Curtis. Good lookin' out jimbagg.
it's a little troubling too. if Lewis is going to be a non-factor for any portion of this season, how do you think that will affect the D?
it's a little troubling too. if Lewis is going to be a non-factor for any portion of this season, how do you think that will affect the D?
Sep 7, 2009 at 2:59 PM
- matt49er
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This is def the reason Taylor made it over Briggs/Sheets here's my prediction:
once our new RT settles in Sims gets cut
once Crabtree gets signed Spurlock is out
once the Lewis situation is ok and he's healthy Taylor to PS, Briggs to 53
once our new RT settles in Sims gets cut
once Crabtree gets signed Spurlock is out
once the Lewis situation is ok and he's healthy Taylor to PS, Briggs to 53
Sep 7, 2009 at 3:04 PM
- DVDA
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Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Note to Noobs: This is the way to start a thread. Quality.
I agree that it appears the Niners are playing conservative with Lewis' physical condition. Carry five safeties is irregular, especially since Hudson can double-duty at safety, if needed.
I'm not sure the Niners would feel comfortable carrying three young pups at safety if Lewis continues to have issues. Wouldn't be surprised to see a waiver wire acquisition.
I still think Hill is not safe at WR if Crabtree reports. Spurlock is a guy the team can stash on the PS, but he is the main guy at the Wildcat, and has tremendous versatility. I don't see the same with Hill.
Spurlock isn't practice squad eligible.
Sep 7, 2009 at 3:05 PM
- Ninerbowl6
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I totally agree with your post. I thought about that when Taylor made the team. Re-accuring concussions are serious especially for an older player. Taylor has also been improving from game to game....specifically in coverage....but no doubt about it, the Niners are hedging there bets and keeping an extra safety for that reason.
Sep 7, 2009 at 3:08 PM
- dmatt
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I've had the same thought myself. I thought Taylor would be the guy to go today. I am now more worried about Lewis.
Sep 7, 2009 at 3:15 PM
- hofer36
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would fact that taylor was draft pick and briggs was not factor in the decision of who to cut----
Sep 7, 2009 at 3:32 PM
- jimbagg
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Regarding points raised in this thread:
Agree that if Lewis can't go, the club would scour the waiver wire for a more veteran SS candidate. But Taylor seems to be coming on, as both a run-stopper and a man to be feared for WR going over the middle. It might be difficult to find a waived veteran, who could outshine Taylor. Certainly, if Lewis can't go, the seasoned Roman becomes a hugely valuable guy to have around.
I don't see the Taser value of Spurlock. I thought that he ran the Taser in TC, only because Robinson (the logical 1st choice) was suffering from a nutcracker-induced groin pull, and Battle (the logical 2nd choice) was being limited in his reps during TC as a veteran courtesy/precaution. Spurlock seems like no more thqn the 3rd best choiuce to run a novelty offense like the Taser, that might only be run once or twice a game. That makes Spurlock very expendable, as I see it. (Now an injury to return-man Rossum could significantly increase Spurlock's value).
IMHO, Hill is the logical successor to Bruce, when Bruce retires after this year. No other Niner receiver has learned more from Bruce than Hill. During those last 4-5 games in 2008, Hill was actually mistaken for Bruce on several occaqsions by the game announcers. Hill has the same body type, the same velcro hands, and now also similar, crisp patterns, as Bruce. All that is missing is 14 years of game-savvy. Frankly, the guy who needs to show me something is Morgan. Even Jones was outperforming Morgan in this TC. And then, there is Crabtree.........(maybe).
Agree that if Lewis can't go, the club would scour the waiver wire for a more veteran SS candidate. But Taylor seems to be coming on, as both a run-stopper and a man to be feared for WR going over the middle. It might be difficult to find a waived veteran, who could outshine Taylor. Certainly, if Lewis can't go, the seasoned Roman becomes a hugely valuable guy to have around.
I don't see the Taser value of Spurlock. I thought that he ran the Taser in TC, only because Robinson (the logical 1st choice) was suffering from a nutcracker-induced groin pull, and Battle (the logical 2nd choice) was being limited in his reps during TC as a veteran courtesy/precaution. Spurlock seems like no more thqn the 3rd best choiuce to run a novelty offense like the Taser, that might only be run once or twice a game. That makes Spurlock very expendable, as I see it. (Now an injury to return-man Rossum could significantly increase Spurlock's value).
IMHO, Hill is the logical successor to Bruce, when Bruce retires after this year. No other Niner receiver has learned more from Bruce than Hill. During those last 4-5 games in 2008, Hill was actually mistaken for Bruce on several occaqsions by the game announcers. Hill has the same body type, the same velcro hands, and now also similar, crisp patterns, as Bruce. All that is missing is 14 years of game-savvy. Frankly, the guy who needs to show me something is Morgan. Even Jones was outperforming Morgan in this TC. And then, there is Crabtree.........(maybe).
Sep 7, 2009 at 3:33 PM
- 9inermaniac
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This is an off the wall roster question...
Why is crabtree still listed when he has not signed?
Why is crabtree still listed when he has not signed?
Sep 7, 2009 at 3:34 PM
- backontop
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Originally posted by 9inermaniac:
This is an off the wall roster question...
Why is crabtree still listed when he has not signed?
for the case that he will eventually sign and they wont have to release another player to make room. He will already have a spot
Sep 7, 2009 at 4:33 PM
- tohara3
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It really sounds like Lewis may be more injured than we are thinking. He maybe trying to weigh his options to see what he wants to do.
Sep 7, 2009 at 7:02 PM
- JDeezy
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Even for the lack of interceptions, I'm a Lewis fan. He plays hard all the time and sets an example for the rest of the secondary. Roman is better at SS than FS and Taylor does have some of the same attributes as Lewis. Hopefully, he won't be out for a significant amount of time, but I sincerely doubt he'll play in week 1.
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