The wide receiver woes of the San Francisco 49ers continue. The team was prepared to enter the season with an impressive group of receivers, but recent injuries have seriously hurt the potential Super Bowl bound team. First Michael Crabtree, the No. 1 guy, went down with an Achilles tear. While he could be back at some point this year, it will not be until the end of the season. Now, Mario Manningham has found himself on the physically unable to perform list, causing some panic in San Francisco.
Manningham was added during free agency. His stock went up after an impressive game in the Super Bowl. However, he will not be available for a while after being placed on the PUP list with a knee injury. Manningham tore his ACL in December and the team had hoped he would heal up prior to the season beginning, but that is not the case.
With Manningham out, the 49ers will begin the season without four receivers that made up the team's No. 1 slots last year. Randy Moss, Ted Guinn, Manningham and Crabtree will be nowhere near the field when the 2013 season kicks off. So, who is going to step up?
The fifth No.1 wide receiver of last year, Kyle Williams could find himself with more significant playing time depending how he continues to develop. Williams only has 54 catches over the past two seasons, but after being activated off the PUP list, he is showing quickness on the field and great hands that could land him the starting spot next to Anquan Boldin. He has not had too much time on the field yet, but the 49ers are hoping to make him into a reliable target.
The other receiver in the mix is 2012 first-round pick, A.J. Jenkins. San Francisco has been waiting for the young player to develop into the first round pick they thought they were drafting, but so far things are not good. The wide receiver got ripped for his poor play in the first two preseason games. He has just one catch along with a key fumble.
Jim Harbaugh remains confident that Jenkins can improve quickly. At this point with Manningham on the PUP list, the 49ers cannot afford to cut Jenkins despite the poor play. There was a thought he could be out by the time the season began, but injuries are working in his favor.
The 49ers will likely begin with a sort of two tight end set at the start of the season to hide to lack of receiving depth. Manningham will return by Week 7 and Crabtree could be back around playoff time if rehab goes accordingly. Until then, it is up to the young guns to take care of business.
UPDATE: San Francisco 49ers announce AJ Jenkins traded to the Kansas City Cheifs for Jonathan Baldwin. Anything can happen during NFL training camp.