The San Francisco 49ers need to fill a hole in their roster with Braylon Edwards out.
The Niners are putting Joe Hastings on the roster for now, but don't expect him to make a real impact come playoff time; Hastings is a rookie on the practice squad and is probably trying out in competition with whatever wideouts San Francisco decides to take a look at for the playoff run. Hastings could earn the spot, but the 49ers could look at other more experienced receivers.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle takes a look at two other potential possibilties, both of whom have strong and veteran experience that could serve them well in the playoffs.
In October, after wideout Joshua Morgan suffered a broken leg that ended his season, San Francisco worked out a group of wideouts that included Hastings and NFL veterans Brian Finneran, Chris Chambers and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who signed with the Raiders on Nov. 1. Niners coach Jim Harbaugh was impressed by the workout participants.
"Their workout was outstanding," Harbaugh said on Oct. 12. "You really like the whole group; it was like ‘That’s a heck of a group.’"
Both Chambers and Finneran are probably good fits for the Niners based on experience and general production level for what they need come playoff time. Of the two, Finneran seems to resemble Edwards the most in terms of being a physical receiver who can go up and make critical catches, which will be crucial if the Niners get around to playing the best in the West. Chambers isn't too bad himself, and is a little bit younger than Finneran.
To discuss the pursuit of the 49ers to land another wide receiver before the playoffs, head to Niners Nation.