Author: John Paulsen (Page 841 of 937)

Kevan Barlow is now a Jet, assuming he passes a physical. The 49ers will receive an undisclosed 2007 draft pick in exchange for Barlow.

Said head coach Mike Nolan on the trade, “This is a great opportunity for Kevan because of New York’s need at running back. Kevan has been committed to our program and done well. With the depth at running back we felt we could make this move.”

This move clears the way for Frank Gore, who was already on his way to winning the #1 RB job in San Francisco. He has had a long injury history, which appears to be the main thing standing in the way of stardom. He runs the ball hard and somehow managed 4.8 yards per carry last season behind San Francisco’s patchwork offensive line. Norv Turner’s presence as offensive coordinator should help the entire unit.

Meanwhile, Barlow gets another chance, this time with the Jets. He has teased many a fantasy player with his talent, but hasn’t delivered consistently on the field. There isn’t much competition in New York for carries, so if he explodes out of the gate (something he’s never done for the 49ers), the starting job will be his.

Torry Holt suffered a rib/sternum injury after landing awkwardly on the ball. X-rays were negative, but he didn’t re-enter the game. Watch this one closely this week if your draft is next weekend…Jamal Lewis is going to miss the next two weeks with a hip injury, but the move is precautionary and he should be fine for Week 1…A few teams have contacted the Falcons about trading for T.J. Duckett. The RB has made it clear that he wants to be a featured back and that’s not going to happen with Warrick Dunn still around. The Jets seem like they’d be a particularly good fit…Mike Bell tallied 73 yards on just 10 carries, and redeemed himself after his fumble last week. It looks like he’s in the process of securing the starting job in Denver, but Tatum Bell will continue to vulture 10 or more touches a game…Look for Greg Jennings to eventually take the #2 WR position in Green Bay away from the gritty, yet unspectacular Robert Ferguson. Jennings is athletic and has the speed to fill the deep-route role of Javon Walker in the offense. He caught three balls for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons…Vernand Morency carried 11 times for 95 yards and two scores, putting in his bid to start if Domanick Davis’ knee isn’t ready by week one.