49ers Promote TE Off Practice Squad For Arizona Cardinals Game
By Scott Allen
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) catches a first down pass from Colin Kaepernick (7) (not pictured) in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers made a move on Saturday afternoon that leaves many speculating that starting tight end Vernon Davis will not play on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. They promoted tight end Asante Cleveland off of their practice squad.
Davis, who is currently listed as question for the game, has been hampered by knee and ankle injuries. He left last week’s game against the Chicago Bears early. The Niners had to release third quarterback Josh Johnson in order to promote Cleveland. That release says it all.
Normally releasing a third quarterback isn’t that big but starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick is sporting an injury as well, although he is expected to play. That only leaves Blaine Gabbert behind him. To release Johnson, that to me says everything I need to know about Davis on Sunday.
All is fine by me. I wish Davis well but Davis is a Cards killer. He had three touchdowns and 225 yards against the Cards last season. The Niners have other weapons the Cards have difficulty with but not having to face Davis is huge for the Cardinals.