Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Just like every team in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers had to trim their roster down to 53 players. Going over the list of people who were cut, there was one player who stood out. That player is wide receiver Austin Collie. Throughout the preseason Collie was not only effective, but he was consistent at being effective. Not to say that cutting him was a mistake, because there are more factors in cutting players than just production. There is also a factor of need as well. The 49ers had a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs where they dressed 11 pass catchers and nine got playing time.
The competition was very stiff at the position and Collie was coming off of a knee injury. But is he more known around the league for serious head hits that led to concussions and time off the field of play. The 49ers’ wide receiving core lists as follows: Anquan Boldin, Marlon Moore, Jon Baldwin, Quinton Patton and Kyle Williams. Out of the five who made the final 53, Kyle Williams is potentially the most expendable. He was injured for a good part of the preseason and was out performed by Collie. His saving grace is his production on special teams.
Two other players who will stand in Collie’s way are Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree. Both receivers are dealing with serious injuries and are expected to return at some point this season. Things may not be as bleak for Collie, because it is a lengthy and injuries can always occur.
John Ware is a San Francisco 49ers writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @OutermindMedia, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+
