Vernon Davis Most Likely Out Against Arizona Cardinals

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

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis is most likely out of today’s game against the Arizona Cardinals per a report from nfl.com’s Ian Rapoport.  It’s not unexpected given the promotion of tight end Asante Cleveland from the practice squad on Saturday.

This should change nothing in terms of the game plan for the Cards.  They already have trouble covering tight ends but Davis has been particularly troublesome.  It’ll be next man up for the Niners though and I imagine their game plan changes very little as well.  One of their other tight ends, Vance McDonald, is also listed as questionable for today’s game.

Now some insiders say to watch out for second-year tight end Derek Carrier.  Carrier did have three receptions for 41 yards against the Chicago Bears last Sunday.  To me, that sounds like someone you need to keep your eyes on.  Hopefully the Cards don’t let it go to their heads that Davis isn’t in the game.  They do have other Niners weapons they do need to focus on but given their history they should never ignore the tight end no matter who he is.

Schedule