San Francisco’s depth chart is officially unofficial

By Jeff Dickinson  |   Wednesday, August 06, 2008  |  Comments( 15 )

San Francisco 49ers
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
It’s official at San Francisco 49ers training camp: Alex Smith is the No. 1 quarterback.

On second thought, it would be safer to say that it is officially unofficial that Smith has been named the starter for the 49ers. Confused? Don’t worry, it will work itself out within a few weeks.

On San Francisco’s official Web site, the first depth chart of the new season was released Aug. 5. That chart shows Smith listed as the No. 1 quarterback, with Shaun Hill and J.T. O’Sullivan next in line. Before you Smith lovers (and haters) get too excited, though, heed a few words of caution.

That depth chart is subject to a whole lot of change. NFL teams were required to release their depth charts for the upcoming season, but that doesn’t mean things will be the same when Week 1 arrives. Starting roles will be reversed in many instances and some players listed might not even be on the team once the preseason ends.

Adding testament to the uncertainty of the San Francisco depth chart is the fact that its site lists the chart as “unofficial.” How confusing is that? In other words, the depth chart is a formality that will change early and often in the coming weeks. There are certain spots that will remain identical, such as Frank Gore at tailback and Vernon Davis at tight end.

The quarterback list, however, just might be a revolving door. In Monday’s joint practice between the 49ers and the Oakland Raiders, each of the San Francisco quarterbacks showed moments of brilliance. Each also exhibited very average moments, too.

All in all, O’Sullivan looked impressive in the team drills, completing 5-of-7 passes and having two balls dropped that should have been caught. After O'Sullivan took his turn, Smith stepped in and was 4-of-8. Hill was the last quarterback to see action during the team drills and completed 3-of-4 passes.

Neither O’Sullivan nor Smith looked solid during the 7-on-7 drills that followed. Both signal-callers threw an interception and struggled with timing.

Head coach Mike Nolan said he was pleased with the way things went during the practice with the Raiders. The 49ers got to work against players not wearing red and gold and also had a change of scenery, traveling to Napa Valley for the practice.

Wide receiver Bryant Johnson left the practice early after tweaking a hamstring. His exit was a mere precaution, but it created opportunities for youngsters Josh Morgan and Cam Colvin. Both receivers looked impressive on certain routes and Colvin -- a former undrafted free agent out of Oregon -- caught all four of Smith’s completions during the team drills. Morgan attracted some eyes when he faked out cornerback DeAngelo Hall on one completion.

Fans will get their first glimpse of the 49ers in real action on Aug. 8 when they face the Raiders again, this time in their preseason opener.

Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (15)

About Jeff Dickinson

I have been writing and editing professionally for 18 years. I spent the first three years of my career as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper in Alabama and got to cover sports and get paid for it! It was great until I got married and then it wasn't too much fun being away from my wife every...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report