Roster

San Francisco LB NaVorro Bowman shared the team lead with 11 tackles during the 49ers' 36-32 victory over New Orleans in their NFC Divisional Playoff game on Saturday. Ten of Bowman's stops were solo tackles as he topped double-digits for the eighth time this season.

The 49ers spent three third-day draft picks on their defense, adding Notre Dame linebacker Darius Fleming, Michigan State safety Trenton Robinson and Virginia defensive end Cam Johnson. They are the only additions to the Niners' defense this offseason.

The 49ers officially placed the franchise tag on safety Dashon Goldson. When he signs he'll be guaranteed $6.2 million for 2012, unless of course he signs a long-term deal, which the Niners are hopeful for. “Dashon has been a 49er since we selected him in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. By using the franchise tag on Dashon, it affords us the opportunity to continue to work on a long-term contract with him, while also ensuring he will be a 49er for a sixth season, in 2012," Niners general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement.

To make room for newly-signed TE Justin Peelle on the roster, the 49ers waived rookie S Colin Jones, their sixth-round pick out of TCU.

The 49ers called on RB Anthony Dixon to score on a goal line run, and though it took him two tries, he succeeded in a Week 17 win over the Rams. Dixon's first attempt from the 1-yard line was initially ruled a touchdown, but was reversed upon review. On second down, however, Dixon broke the plane of the goal line and scored his second touchdown of the season. He carried the ball eight times for 21 yards, and he also caught a pass for 6 yards.

Arnaz Battle, Shaun Hill, Brandon Jones, Brit Miller, Brian Jennings and Jason Hill all failed to record a stat in the team's Week 16 game against the Lions.

The San Francisco 49ers landed another wide receiver, agreeing to terms Saturday with free agent Mario Manningham on a two-year contract. Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed Saturday night that Manningham, the former New York Giants wideout, had reached a deal with the Niners. The 25-year-old Manningham had 39 catches for 523 yards and four touchdowns total last year in his fourth NFL season.

49ers DB Tarell Brown left Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Giants and did not return. He was struck by Dashon Goldson on a third down play late in the third quarter as they collided going for an interception. Brown required the help of trainers to leave the field of play and was taken to the locker room for observation. Rookie DB Chris Culliver took his place and DB Tramaine Brock is the third corner.

Head - Left Conference Championship game vs. N.Y. Giants

The 49ers and cornerback Perrish Cox agreed to a two-year deal. Cox was released by the Broncos last September and was acquitted of sexual assault charges in Colorado on March 2. He said his legal trouble changed him for the better. "It was a nervous and scary situation for me," Cox said. "I take full responsibility for my actions. I just want everyone who was involved in [the case] to move on with their lives."

The 49ers signed special teams standout performer C.J. Spillman to a three-year, $6 million contract on Friday. It is his first guaranteed contract.

Outside linebacker Darius Fleming, the 49ers' fifth-round draft pick out of Notre Dame, tore his ACL during the team's rookie minicamp according NFL.com. Fleming was one of two linebackers the team selected in the draft, the other being Virginia's Cam Johnson (seventh round).

Knee - Out for the season

Notable players cut by the Seahawks on Saturday include: DE Pierre Allen, FB Dorson Boyce, WR Chris Carter, RB Thomas Clayton, DT Colin Cole, CB Kennard Cox, DL Maurice Fountain, DE David Howard, LB Michael Johnson, LB/DE Jameson Konz, FS Mark LeGree, WR Ricardo Lockette, LB Mike Morgan, S Josh Pinkard, DE A.J. Schable, WR Owen Spencer, RB Vai Taua and WR Patrick Williams.

While there was some speculation that the 49ers would enter the season with Kendall Hunter backing up Frank Gore, it turns out that the team had other plans. The 49ers signed running back Brandon Jacobs to a deal, providing a quality "big man" to back up Gore. That could mean that Hunter ends up filling a third-down role regardless of whether or not Gore is able to play at any point during the season.

49ers DB Donte Whitner finished with five tackles -- four solo -- in Week 14 against the Cardinals. He was also credited with a pass defended in the defeat and now has 54 tackles on the season.

The Cowboys have released kick returner Allen Rossum four weeks after he injured his hamstring the only time he touched the ball for Dallas. The Dallas native was signed to handle kickoff and punt returns before the Atlanta game in October. He was hit hard returning the first kickoff by the Falcons and didn't return.

49ers DB Chris Culliver recorded the first interception of his young career in Week 5 against the Buccaneers. The rookie picked off QB Josh Freeman in the second quarter and also finished with one tackle and three passes defended in the 48-3 win.

The Cowboys reduced their roster on Saturday by releasing S Courtney Brown, QB Rudy Carpenter, TE Scott Chandler, FB Julius Crosslin, DE Marcus Dixon, LB Tearrius George, CB Jeremy Haynes, WR Jesse Holley, WR Mike Jefferson, WR Manuel Johnson, RB Keon Lattimore, CB Mike Mickens, WR Willie Reid, DE Derreck Robinson, FB Asaph Schwapp, DT Jonas Seawright, S DeAngelo Smith, WR Isaiah Stanback, LB Matt Stewart and CB DeAngelo Willingham. The team also placed LB Stephen Hodge on injured reserve.

Rookie safety Curtis Taylor's season is over for the 49ers. The team placed Taylor on injured reserve Tuesday with a strained hip, which he injured after being hit on punt coverage late in the first quarter of Sunday's 20-3 win over Jacksonville. San Francisco promoted fullback Brit Miller from the practice squad to fill the roster spot. The 49ers also signed receiver Rodney Wright to the practice squad.

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh told KNBR-AM in San Francisco that Michael Crabtree's hands are "the best hands I've ever seen on a wide receiver." Crabtree had a successful campaign with career highs in catches (72) and yards (874) last year but scored just four touchdowns and had only four games with double digits in Fantasy points (standard scoring).

The 49ers took Oregon running back LaMichael James 61st overall in the second round of the NFL draft to join an already jammed backfield. James ran for 5,082 yards and 53 touchdowns on 771 career carries in three seasons with the Ducks. He had 49 carries for 382 yards and four TDs in two games against Harbaugh's Stanford team before the coach jumped to the NFL last year. The Niners will have some big decisions to make come training camp considering they must decide how to divvy up the touches between James, three-time Pro Bowler Frank Gore, newly signed Brandon Jacobs and reliable second-year player Kendall Hunter. "It's great to have these options," Jim Harbaugh said. "You're fighting and building at the same time. That's what we're doing."

San Francisco LB Parys Haralson sacked Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson twice on Sunday in the opening game for both teams. He had four total tackles on the day. The 49ers would win the game, 33-17.

49ers DB Carlos Rogers picked off his sixth pass of the season in Week 15 against the Steelers. He also finished with a pair of solo tackles in the 20-3 victory.

Niners QB Nate Davis, RB Michael Robinson, WR Isaac Bruce, WR Arnaz Battle, DB Nate Clements and DL Ricky Jean-Francois have all been listed as inactive for the team's Week 12 game against Jacksonville.

The Dolphins reached the decision on the final 53 players they will carry heading into the season, so they let several players go. Among the released were QBs Kevin O’ Connell and Pat Devlin, CB Vincent Agnew, TE Brett Brackett, WR Patrick Carter, TE Dedrick Epps, LB Jonathan Freeny, RB Nic Grigsby, WR Phillip Livas, WR John Matthews, CB Nate Ness, LB David Nixon, WR Julius Pruitt, S Mark Restelli, LB Robert Rose, TE Mickey Shuler, LB Quinton Spears, S Gerald Alexander, CB Will Allen, FB Lousaka Polite and NT Ronald Fields.

San Francisco rookie LB Aldon Smith was arrested Saturday in Miami Beach on DUI charges, reports KTVU in Miami.

Long snapper Ryan Pontbriand was added to the AFC squad on Monday, giving the Cleveland Browns at least four representatives for next month's game in Hawaii. Pontbriand will join kick returner Joshua Cribbs, wide receiver Braylon Edwards and left tackle Joe Thomas in Honolulu for the Feb. 10 game. Before this season, the Browns hadn't had a player make the Pro Bowl since linebacker Jamir Miller in 2001. Pontbriand was not a replacement. He was chosen by San Diego's coaching staff, which as the losing team in the AFC championship, gets to coach the AFC team. "I'm thrilled," Pontbriand said. "Making the Pro Bowl is a goal I was always hoping for but never thought I'd see this early in my career. It's going to be a memorable experience."

49ers WR Kyle Williams was limited in practice all week as he is still coming back from a concussion suffered in Week 16 and is listed as questionable for the team's Divisional Playoff game vs. the Saints.

Frank Gore has seen the 49ers sign Brandon Jacobs and draft LaMichael James this offseason after Kendall Hunter stole some significant playing time last season. Some people believe is an indictment that Gore can't shoulder the rushing workload anymore. Gore would beg to differ. A year after posting 282 carries for 1,211 yards and eight touchdowns, Gore says he has plenty left to give the Niners. "I feel like I still got a lot left in my tank," said Gore. "I want to show it off that I still got a lot left in my tank and I can play at a high level. I will play at a high level as long as God blesses me to be healthy so I can go out and do something that I love."

After testing out free agency, Ted Ginn is back for another season in San Francisco and ready to take back his role as returner. The 49ers signed Ginn to a one-year deal. Ginn visited Detroit, Minnesota and Baltimore before staying with the 49ers. "I was happy with my role," he said. "When you're playing a game like this, you have to be a team player. That's what I am first. Everybody wishes they could get a ball or two more. That's being a human being."

San Francisco tight end Delanie Walker has returned to practice for the first time since breaking his left jaw in two places late in the regular season and hopes to be healthy enough to play in the NFC championship game. Walker had the wires removed on Monday and took part in practice on a limited basis with no contact on Wednesday. He was out there again during the open media portion on Thursday. "I didn't do too much, so I won't say I was rusty," Walker said before Thursday's practice. "I feel like I was good. Everybody said I looked faster and that I looked like I was over-hyper. Because you get back on the field, you try to do everything full speed."

San Francisco FB/LB Bruce Miller caught his first-career touchdown pass on Sunday of Week 9 in Washington. Miller caught a 30-yard strike down the left sideline with just over a minute to play in the first half against the Redskins. Quarterback Alex Smith found Miller streaking open following a lost fumble by the Redskins. It was Miller's, a former Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year for UCF, first catch of the season.

The 49ers announced on Monday that DL Will Tukuafu will miss the remainder of the season. He was injured during Week 4 against the Eagles, although his injury has yet to be disclosed.

Undisclosed - IR. Out for the season

San Francisco DL Ray McDonald had a season high seven tackles, including five solo stops, during the 49ers' 16-6 loss to Baltimore in Week 12 on Thursday night. McDonald also finished one tackle shy of the team lead shared by Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.

The Chiefs announced seven roster cuts on Monday. Those released were: wide receivers Chris Manno, Chandler Williams and Josue Paul, running back Tervaris Johnson, linebacker Eric Bakhtiari and defensive backs Javes Lewis and Mario Russell.

The 49ers cut down the roster by 26 on Saturday to get to the league-mandated 53 players on deadline. Among the casualties were WRs Ronald Johnson, Joe Hastings, Lance Long and Chris Hogan, CBs Phillip Adams, Phillip Davis, and Cory Nelms, LB Alex Joseph, TE Nate Lawrie, C Chase Beeler, QB McLeod Bethel-Thomspon, FB Jack Corcoran, DT Brian Bulcke, S Chris Maragos, RB Xavier Omon, TE Konrad Reuland, LB Monte Simmons, LB Kenny Rowe, NT Sealver Siliga, FS Curtis Taylor, and DB Anthony West.

Rookie QB Scott Tolzien, who the 49ers claimed off waivers from the Chargers Sunday, was signed as an undrafted rookie out of Wisconsin. He completed 72.9 percent of his passes last season for the Badgers, a single-season record, and also holds school records in career completion percentage (68.1) and single-season completions (211 in 2009).

The 49ers have placed seventh-round pick CB Curtis Holcomb and undrafted rookie WR Dontavia Bogan on the injured reserve list, ending their seasons. Holcomb ruptured his Achilles’ tendon on the eve of training camp during a conditioning test and Bogan tore his ACL on the second day of camp.

Achilles' - IR. Out for the season

Randy Moss looked every bit a team player as he demonstrated a cut and quick feet for his fellow wide receivers, who listened intently and observed while the veteran impressed in his first formal practice with the 49ers on Thursday. Then 35-year-old Moss dazzled with a 55-yard touchdown catch from Alex Smith. After the hour-long, pad-free practice, Moss made a quick exit from team headquarters but teammates stayed and raved about the veteran. Most said he was fast and proved that he knows the playbook and doesn't have any rust, but one teammate -- a former division rival against Moss -- said the most. "He still looks the same. He never, ever since he's been playing football has looked like he's been running fast," Donte Whitner said per The Sports Xchange; Whitner used to match up twice a year with Moss while playing for Buffalo. "But he's a long-strider, and when you actually run against him he's really running really fast. He's running the same as he's always run. His body looks like a younger Randy Moss, so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do on the football field. ... I know a lot of stuff defenses do against him, and a lot of stuff doesn't work."

49ers LB Patrick Willis (hamstring) was listed as active for Week 17 against the Rams. Willis had missed the last three games with his injury and had been listed as questionable on the injury report.

The 49ers announced they signed quarterback Josh Johnson to a two-year deal to back up Alex Smith. Johnson, who played for Niners coach Jim Harbaugh in college at San Diego, started five games in four seasons with Tampa Bay. He completed 96 of 177 passes for 1,042 yards, five touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 26 career appearances.

The 49ers official team website reports that new running back Brandon Jacobs is not worried about his role and sharing carries with Frank Gore. “All that part will work itself out. As far as competing, that will make everyone of us better,” Jacobs said. “It makes us better as a team, it makes us better at our job. I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing with Frank.” The report says Jacobs is not promised a specific role on the offense just yet, but is looking forward to earning his carries within offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s power-running formations. “My role is going to come off how much I earn,” Jacobs said. “I’m going to earn everything I get.”

49ers K David Akers made all of his attempts in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Giants. He converted his lone field goal and made two extra points in the 20-17 overtime loss. He connected from 25 yards in the fourth quarter.

The 49ers cut down the roster by 26 on Saturday to get to the league-mandated 53 players on deadline. Among the casualties were WRs Ronald Johnson, Joe Hastings, Lance Long and Chris Hogan, CBs Phillip Adams, Phillip Davis, and Cory Nelms, LB Alex Joseph, TE Nate Lawrie, C Chase Beeler, QB McLeod Bethel-Thomspon, FB Jack Corcoran, DT Brian Bulcke, S Chris Maragos, RB Xavier Omon, TE Konrad Reuland, LB Monte Simmons, LB Kenny Rowe, NT Sealver Siliga, FS Curtis Taylor, and DB Anthony West.

San Francisco made some cuts on Sunday. The team got down to 75 players by cutting LB Brandon Long, CB Patrick Stoudamire and WR Bakari Grant.

Linebacker Larry Grant signed a one-year contract to remain with the San Francisco 49ers. Drafted in the seventh round by San Francisco in 2008, Grant spent three seasons with the St. Louis Rams before returning to the Bay Area last season. He set a career-high with 30 tackles and had two sacks and one forced fumble for the NFC West champion 49ers last season. Grant also had 10 tackles on special teams.

LB Keaton Kristick has received a double dose of good news. First, he found out the ankle injury he suffered on Thursday wasn’t as serious as feared -- only five to seven days despite being carted off the field -- and second, he indicated in a tweet that he has made the team.

The 49ers spent three third-day draft picks on their defense, adding Notre Dame linebacker Darius Fleming, Michigan State safety Trenton Robinson and Virginia defensive end Cam Johnson. They are the only additions to the Niners' defense this offseason.

San Francisco DB Tramaine Brock injured his left hand on Sunday against Dallas. He eventually returned to the game only to fall down on a play that led to a Miles Austin touchdown. Brock would redeem himself with four tackles and a key interception, but the 49ers would still lose the game 27-24.

The 49ers announced Friday that they have signed RB Rock Cartwright to a one-year deal. Cartwright was with the Raiders in 2011.

49ers DL Justin Smith notched his 5.5 sack of the season in Week 14 against the Cardinals. Smith finished with four tackles in the 21-19 defeat and now has 47 stops on the season.

Wide receiver Brett Swain has signed a one-year contract to remain with the San Francisco 49ers. Swain was picked up by San Francisco after being released by Green Bay during training camp last year. He had two catches for 15 years in five games.

San Francisco DL Isaac Sopoaga registered a season-high six tackles during the 49ers' 16-6 loss to Baltimore in Week 12 on Thursday night. Sopoaga nearly matched his total from the season as he entered Thursday's game with only 11 tackles.

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick looked back on his rookie season with the Reno Gazette-Journal and suggested that he'll have an opportunity to start in 2012. "Someone told me Coach Harbaugh said it's an open job. It will be earned. I think they'll give me a fair shot," Kaepernick said.

Scout.com reports Sunday that LB Tavares Gooden, who was cut by the Ravens on Saturday, agreed to terms with the 49ers. Terms of the one-year deal were not disclosed. Gooden played mostly as a reserve the last three years in Baltimore.

After hauling in two touchdowns during the 49ers' first playoff game, TE Vernon Davis had another productive performance in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Giants. He caught three passes for 112 yards with two more scores in the 20-17 overtime loss. He hauled in a 73-yard scoring strike from QB Alex Smith in the first quarter before being on the receiving end of a 28-yard touchdown in the second half. Davis caught 10 passes for 292 yards with four touchdowns in two playoff games.

The 49ers cut down the roster by 26 on Saturday to get to the league-mandated 53 players on deadline. Among the casualties were WRs Ronald Johnson, Joe Hastings, Lance Long and Chris Hogan, CBs Phillip Adams, Phillip Davis, and Cory Nelms, LB Alex Joseph, TE Nate Lawrie, C Chase Beeler, QB McLeod Bethel-Thomspon, FB Jack Corcoran, DT Brian Bulcke, S Chris Maragos, RB Xavier Omon, TE Konrad Reuland, LB Monte Simmons, LB Kenny Rowe, NT Sealver Siliga, FS Curtis Taylor, and DB Anthony West.

49ers TE Nate Byham’s agent told The San Francisco Chronicle that his client has a torn ACL and will be out for the season. It confirms what everyone suspected after Byham landed awkwardly on his left foot while trying to make a leaping grab during Saturday’s practice. He was consoled by many teammates after and carted off.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

Alex Smith will have his first offseason without a change in offensive coordinators, and expectations couldn't be any higher. Smith posted career-best numbers in 2011 with a 61.4 percent completion percentage, 3,144 yards passing and a 90.7 passer rating. He threw 17 touchdown passes and just five interceptions while starting all 16 games. Now the Niners plan to improve Smith's accuracy by fixing mechanical issues with his left leg and balance according to Comcast SportsNet. "I saw a mechanics guru, or specialist down in L.A.," Smith wrote in a chat on the official team website. "I went there to kind of clean some things up with my motion. I'm really focused on getting my fundamentals better. Really didn't have time last offseason to do it."

Multiple outlets that cover the 49ers noticed that rookie wide receiver A.J. Jenkins wasn't in good shape during the team's recent minicamp. And they weren't the only ones to notice -- head coach Jim Harbaugh saw it too. "Out of shape, that's the bad news," Harbaugh said about Jenkins and other rookie receivers according to the San Jose Mercury-News. "Good news is that it's a very talented group of those young receivers, could tell that right away. Bad news is that we've got to get them in shape. Don't know exactly what all these guys were doing for the last six months."

Ahmad Brooks signed a six-year, $44.5 million contract extension with San Francisco on Tuesday that will take him through the 2017 season and keep one of the NFL's best linebacker units intact. The deal is worth $17.5 million guaranteed. Brooks emerged as a regular starter for the first time in his six-year NFL career last season. He had 49 total tackles, seven sacks and a forced fumble while becoming a key member of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's top-ranked run defense last season. "Something was telling me just to sign here. I feel like this is where I should be," said Brooks, who could've opted for free agency. "These are the people who gave me a chance to get this contract."