Posted at 3:08 p.m., Tuesday, October 2, 2007
NFL: 49ers waive WR Jacobs, re-sign WR Gilmore
Associated Press
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers shook up their struggling offense today, waiving No. 3 receiver Taylor Jacobs and re-signing Bryan Gilmore, who held the same position last year.Jacobs beat out Gilmore for a roster spot with an outstanding performance in training camp, even moving ahead of free-agent signee Ashley Lelie on the 49ers' depth chart. But Jacobs has just three catches for 40 yards and a touchdown this season, failing to make an impact with a passing game that has the fewest yards in the NFL.
Jacobs, acquired in a trade with Washington last season, never made more than 16 receptions in a season.
"Taylor has exceptional skills, but we were not getting the production we needed at that spot," coach Mike Nolan said.
Nolan then re-signed the 29-year-old Gilmore, who was released in San Francisco's final cuts. The fifth-year pro had only eight catches for 150 yards last season, and the 49ers signed Lelie with the intention of upgrading the position, but he hasn't made a catch in four games.
"It was a tough decision to waive Bryan Gilmore at the final cut," Nolan said. "I said at that time that it was probably the most difficult decision I had to make in the two years being here, because he is everything you are looking for in terms of work ethic and commitment."
The 49ers also waived backup fullback Zak Keasey and re-signed offensive tackle Patrick Estes, another victim of the club's final cuts before the regular season. Estes, a converted tight end, will provide depth for San Francisco's struggling line.
