Vernon Davis, Eric Reid expected to play
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) runs with the ball as defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Josh Evans (26) tackles in the second quarter in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers won’t activate No. 1 wide receiver Michael Crabtree for today’s game against the New Orleans Saints, but it sounds like they should have key starters Vernon Davis and Eric Reid out there for today’s huge game. Davis’s return is especially important for the Niners, because, as we saw last week, Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense are in dire straits without the star tight end. Davis has had a monster year thus far with seven receiving touchdowns, and he’s been the best tight end in the league at running deeper routes. His ability to split out wide as a receiver also cannot be underrated, and the 49ers desperately need to have Davis healthy to help try and match the Saints offensive output, especially with Crabtree set to miss this week.
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, both Vernon Davis and Eric Reid will play today, unless if concussion symptoms return. Both players suffered concussions last week, and neither of them looked good. Reid, who suffered a concussion early in the season as well, was trucked by fullback Mike Tolbert, whereas the 49ers entire offense slumped badly once Davis was out of the game. Again, Davis means a whole lot to this 49ers team.
Reid has done an amazing job as the 49ers starting free safety, and I think he’s a better fit for what they needed than Dashon Goldson was. Not only is Reid a whole lot cheaper and also younger, but he’s also much better-suited to play deep coverage than Goldson was (Goldson was more of a playmaking safety). Reid has been even better in coverage than expected, and he’s really done a great job of limiting the deep ball. After struggling with missed tackles early in the season, Reid has been a steady tackler as well. He’s going to be a great safety in this league for years to come, and Trent Baalke certainly had a massive “hit” with Reid. His health is very important for today’s game, because the 49ers need their talented FS to help stop the Saints elite group of weapons, especially home-run threat Kenny Stills.