Santa Claus and LaMichael James?
Both men are likely to make an appearance this month. Jim Harbaugh was asked specifically about James, the team's second-round draft pick, this morning on the Murph & Mac Show on KNBR. "Ah, yes," he said. "I think that's a real possibility, and he's worked hard for an opportunity. And that's something that's definitely a possibility that's coming."
James, of course, has not even been in uniform this season, including Sunday in St. Louis. That was the first game that No. 2 running back Kendall Hunter missed after injuring his Achilles a week earlier. Frank Gore's backup against the Rams was Brandon Jacobs, who carried the ball four times for six yards (1.5 avg.)
On Monday, meanwhile, Harbaugh said that another high draft pick, receiver A.J. Jenkins, was being "integrated" into the game plan. Harbaugh said it was difficult because there were three receivers - Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss and Mario Manningham - who were ahead of Jenkins on the depth chart.
Reminded that Ted Ginn Jr. also has been ahead of Jenkins on the depth chart, Harbaugh said, "He has been. Yes."
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Adam Caplan reports that former Vikings and Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards worked out for the 49ers on Monday. Edwards (6-5, 268) has been a 4-3 defensive end in Atlanta and Minnesota. His best season came in 2009 when he had 51 tackles and 8 ½ sacks for the Vikings.
The Falcons released Edwards last month after his production failed to match his paycheck. He signed a five-year, $30 million deal that included $11 million in guaranteed money last year. However, he was playing behind John Abraham and Kroy Bierman in Atlanta and had just nine tackles and no sacks when he was released.
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The 49ers can clinch a playoff spot with a win Sunday against the Dolphins. Of course, they'd need a lot of help. Here are two scenarios:
1. San Francisco win + DAL loss + MIN loss + TB loss + WAS loss + SEA loss or tie.
2. San Francisco win + DAL loss + MIN loss + TB loss + WAS loss + STL loss or tie.
The Vikings host the Bears. The Buccaneers host the Eagles. The Redskins host the Ravens. The Seahawks host the Cardinals. The Rams visit the Bills. The Cowboys visit the Bengals.
- Matt Barrows
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