Jim Harbaugh today said the 49ers are leaning toward adding a receiver to their 53-man roster, either by elevating one of two practice squad players, Joe Hastings or John Matthews, or by signing a free agent. As it stands now, the 49ers have just three healthy receivers: Ted Ginn, Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams.
Harbaugh confirmed that wide receiver Josh Morgan is having surgery today after breaking a bone in his lower right leg late in the game on Sunday. Harbaugh said the 49ers hope that Morgan can rejoin the team later in the season. Whether that is possible or not won't be known until the surgery is complete. If the 49ers don't think that Morgan will return in time - or if they need his roster spot - they will place him on injured reserve, thereby ending his season.
Hastings (pictured) was one of four rookie free-agent wide receivers added after the draft. Hastings, who was prolific at Washburn University, has been with the team since training camp. The other practice-squad receiver, John Matthews, was added last week. Matthews, however, played for Harbaugh at the University of San Diego, and Harbaugh said that Matthews was in the mix of possible options.
As far as veteran free agents, three players spent training camp with the 49ers: Kevin Jurovich, Lance Long and Dominique Zeigler. Other high-profile options include Terrell Owens, Randy Moss and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Harbaugh also confirmed that Braylon Edwards, who suffered a torn meniscus on Sept. 18, is likely to return after the 49ers bye week for their game against Cleveland on Oct. 30.
-- Matt Barrows
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