Mario Manningham listed questionable
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) escapes a tackle by New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The 49ers defeated the Saints 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham is the No. 3 option in the passing game behind Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis, yet he only has four receptions for 38 yards in two games played since being activated. Such is the nature of the 49ers offense, where really only two- maybe three, once Michael Crabtree comes back to re-assume his role as the No. 1 WR- pass-catchers can be supported by this rushing offense. Beyond that, Colin Kaepernick’s struggles have hurt the production of the receivers around him, though it can also be said that the fact that Manningham, who is ideally a No. 3 receiver, is currently the No. 2 wideout hurts Kaep; he doesn’t have enough weapons around him.
Manningham was limited in every day at practice this week, so the 49ers are listing him as questionable for tomorrow night’s game against the Washington Redskins. It should be an easy win for the 49ers, as well as a prime opportunity for this passing attack to get back on track against one of the lousiest secondaries that the NFL has to offer. Kaepernick needs to use that game as a springboard for better things, and it will be interesting to see if Manningham can put up a big game. He has a very favorable matchup, but the issue is whether or not he’ll get enough targets to have a good game.
As for Manningham’s knee injury that has him listed questionable on the injury report, it shouldn’t be a concern at all. It’s a mere stinger, and the fact that Manningham has been able to participate in each practice session this week is an indicator that it’s a non-issue. Manningham will be playing tomorrow, and you can bet on that happening.