Making the case for a 49ers roster spot

San Francisco 49ers fullback Brit Miller, left, celebrates with running back Kory Sheets (30) following Sheets' touchdown in the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers won 20-13.
(AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

The 49ers cut five players on Sunday, a day before the mandatory Tuesday deadline. Sept 5 is the team's next deadline in which they have to cut the roster down to 53 players. The 49ers will play their final preseason game the day before, so that will be the last chance for many of these players fighting for a roster spot.

But judging from what we've seen in the first few games, there are some players that were on the bubble that I am pulling for to make that 53-man roster.

• FB Brit Miller: His chances of making the team is very slim. He could be a practice squad player, but I love how he has transitioned from linebacker to fullback so well. Even if we disregard his first game (two touchdowns), I really have enjoyed his intelligence as a fullback. He would be a great serviceable backup to Moran Norris, although I don't know if the team would want two fullbacks on the roster.
• RB Kory Sheets: Sheets has been lighting it up with his speed and power. He has played extremely well in the preseason and his two scores on Saturday definitely helpd his stock rise. With the injury to Thomas Clayton, the 49ers might be looking to keep Sheets, Gore, Coffee and Robinson as their halfbacks.
• WR Micheal Spurlock: I'm not sure as to how much of the "Wildcat/Taser" offense the 49ers have planned, but if they have a few in store, Spurlock is the best option to take the snaps. Also, Spurlock provides some solid backup as a kick returner. More importantly, I have seen Spurlock's play in practice and he has looked great. The wide receiver position could get crowded, but Spurlock is one that I hope can stand out in the final game in San Diego.
• WR Arnaz Battle: After missing games last season, Battle has made sure that he has given himself the best chance to make the roster. The veteran has been one of Shaun Hill's favorite targets in practice and his three first down catches in Saturday's game helped his case for making the roster. Also, he would be a fine option for the "Wildcat/Taser" offense if the 49ers do cut ties with Spurlock.
• TE J.J. Finley: I was debating whether or not I like him or Bear Pascoe more for this spot. Both have done well in this training camp and as they both fight for this one roster spot, I would like to see Finley get the nod. Pascoe can go the practice squad as the team develops Finley into a reliable thrid option at tight end. His intelligence as a receiver has improved and his upside is promising.
• T Alex Boone: Aside from his storied past with alcohol, he's come a long way to make it this far. As the right tackle position is in flux, the 49ers are looking for a solid backup to T Adam Snyder. Boone may not be the second string tackle, but his plays recently has grabbed my attention. Practice squad is possible for him also.
• LB Ahmad Brooks: He saw limited action on Saturday and I don't know what that signifies. Coach Singletary has praised Brooks' play last season and he is one of the bright faces of the future for this team. He had a surgery to fix a bone in his knee. His roster spot was never in jeopardy, but he will be out for about three weeks.
• LB Jay Moore: After being injured for the past two seasons, Moore had a phenomenal camp and has shown his ability to add pressure on the front line. He was slowed down by a hand injury, but I still hope that there is room for him.
• QB Nate Davis: Strong arm, good pocket presence, great accuracy and leads team to game-winning drive Satruday. Quarterback of the future? The team might want to keep him on the roster, meaning that Damon Huard might not make the cut.

Also, with Marvel Smith's retirement, there is an open roster spot for the 49ers. Do the 49ers cut one less person or do they try to sign a tackle instead. There are a good handful of tackles available, so it wouldn't be a stretch to see the 49ers sign one in the near future.

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The 49ers sent a press release informing the public of their upgrades to Candlestick Park. Here is the full press release:

Santa Clara, Ca – In an effort to significantly improve the Game Day experience for our faithful fans, the San Francisco 49ers continue to invest in fan friendly improvements to Candlestick Park for the 2009 NFL season.

“Our job is to provide the most professional, entertaining, safe, and affordable experience to our fans on a season long basis,” said 49ers Chief Operating Officer Andy Dolich. “Candlestick has hosted many signature moments in 49ers history and we keep working to improve how we present the games to our fans.”

During the offseason, the 49ers went to work creating the following additions and upgrades to Candlestick Park:   

·         The Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame, featuring a wonderful display of its inductees in the Gold Mine

·         The unique new field level suite giving fans the opportunity to see the action up close and personal. The exclusive suite is located just south of the 49ers bench area

·         A newly created Season Ticket Sales and Service office at Candlestick Park, providing fans the opportunity to receive personalized service regarding their current and future game tickets

·         A Helmet Wall saluting Northern California high school football programs.  Ultimately over 400 high schools will be represented showing the pride that high school football generates throughout Northern California

·         An upgraded Faithful City featuring interactive youth activities for the young 49ers Faithful to enjoy prior to kick-off

·         An expanded Absolut Gridiron on the Mezzanine Level offering patrons premium food and beverages in a larger area

·         A new pedestrian bridge to be completed early in the season for the Hunters Point Expressway, allowing for car and pedestrian traffic to be separated and improve the safety of both at the crosswalk east of parking Gate 4

·         An expanded training program for all game day employees, providing fans with the most knowledgeable and helpful game day workers in the National Football League. Employees have been tasked to provide exceptional service to improve the driveway to driveway experience for fans. Employees will also be wearing buttons that read: “Welcome to Candlestick Park. How may I assist you?”

·         One of the most significant off season moves was the change of uniform colors back to the great traditional look of the Super Bowl years

·         The team is involved with a multimillion dollar improvement to the team’s Santa Clara training facility

In 2008, the 49ers organization enhanced Candlestick with the following upgrades:

·         New 42” flat screen TVs throughout the stadium

·         New LED screens encompassing sections of the stadium bowl to provide fans with important messages and updates on all NFL game scores

·         Three new escalators to take fans to the upper deck, as well as three refurbished lower escalators with awnings that will help protect fans from inclement weather

·         The new Absolut Gridiron Grill located on the Mezzanine Level, complete with premium food and beverage service including a Bloody Mary Bar and Dungeness Crab Panini Sandwiches

·         Decorative banners wrapping the exterior of the stadium and the entire field level to give a fresh new look to the ‘Stick

·         New directional and informational signage to help fans more easily find the restrooms, seating sections and other areas throughout the stadium.

For more 49ers news: Visit my other site Mining the Gold Rush or the 49ers' official blog at Goal Posts.
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