One thing out of practice this week was the return of Ashley Lelie. Suffering from a leg injury since the end of July, Lelie has not seen any preseason action. His chances of making the team are now relying soley on how he impresses Mike Martz. He can still be theat deep threat that the Niners want on their team. In fact, with the offense running the way it is, he could be very vital to the success of the aerial attack.
But that’s ONLY if he can perform to the level we expect him to be. One thing that really makes this decision interesting is the other wide receivers that have not played. Arnaz Battle more than likely will not be threatened by roster cuts throughout this week, but it’s really difficult to just look at how this wide receiver core may shake up to.
One of the guys I had been cheering for is Cam Colvin, but it’s likely he may not make the roster. With Jason Hill’s recent performance, it could mean that the Niners are going to have Battle, Isaac Bruce, Hill, Lelie and Josh Morgan on the roster. But Dominique Zeigler may be on the bubble to flip flop with Lelie.
Take a look at the team with this scenario. Bruce and Battle are guaranteed starters due to their veteran and experience status. But what about Bryant Johnson? He was supposed to be the number one wide receiver on the team. But since he has yet to take a snap, and with Josh Morgan’s recent performance, we may see either split time or even a full-time starter from Morgan.
Now I won’t jump the gun now and get on this Morgan bandwagon just yet. But think about it like this. We know that Johnson has the talent, but has yet to display it. Morgan on the other hand may not be as good just yet, but we’ve seen him play. Which one would you choose?
It may look like Morgan could be splitting time with Johnson at best. If he does, then it may hurt Johnson’s value to the team. One of the things that coaches hate to have is to have too much talent. Sure, it can help and it always does. But then it leads to disgruntled players. Johnson is a type of receiver that knew that he had to leave the Cardinals for a chance to truly shine. Now, he is once again overshadowed.
Can’t have this in Ninerland. But then again, I expect nothing less from this organization that’s working to get right back on track.
