Jon Baldwin has spent his entire NFL career trying to fit in. Things did not work out in Kansas City after the team drafted him in the first round back in 2011. This led to a trade sending the receiver to the San Francisco 49ers, where once again he is trying to find his place. After being inactive for the first three games, could the 1-2 start for the 49ers to see what Baldwin can provide?
In the past two weeks, San Francisco has scored just 10 points total as their offense appears stagnate. While Jim Harbaugh is not quick to place blame, it is pretty clear there are some issues with the wide receiver position. After putting out 208 yards on 13 catches against Green Bay, Anquan Boldin has just 74 yards on six receptions in the past two games. Kyle Williams has just nine receptions through three weeks and the remaining active players have just one catch. Could this be Baldwin's chance?
"He's doing a good job," Harbaugh said, via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. "Had a real good week of practice last week. We're all coming back today, back to work, working on fixing."
In two seasons with the Chiefs, Baldwin put up 579 yards on 41 receptions. He is physical at the line of scrimmage and could be a nice compliment to Boldin on the opposite side with 6-foot-4 frame. Marlon Moore and Quinton Patton are not getting the job done. There is really no reason to not give Baldwin a chance against the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night. With Vernon Davis injured, the door is wide open.
Another player looking for more time on the field is LaMichael James. The running back is fully healed from a preseason knee injury and is ready to get on the field, but has remained inactive through the first three games like Baldwin. During his rookie season, James put up 125 yards on 27 carries. He also handled kickoff returns, averaging 29.8 yards a carry.
Harbaugh noted the team is evaluating James and will continue to look at his chances to play in the upcoming Thursday night game. James will likely have to fight Williams for the return man job.
The 49ers are looking for answers to their slow start to the year. Colin Kaepernick has not looked his normal explosive self and the defense continues to get exposed. Adding a few offensive weapons could help in the long run.
