Cardinals v. 49ers – 5 Questions With Golden Gate Sports
By Tony Burgess
September 22, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) jogs onto the field during player introductions before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Candlestick Park. The Colts defeated the 49ers 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
3. Vernon Davis suffered an ankle injury last week. He’s obviously a big part of the offense, if he is out or limited who steps up?
Marc Grandi: Vance McDonald is also hampered with a hurt right knee, but there is no structural damage. It remains to be seen if he can play, but if he can’t, Derek Carrier will have to step up. Carrier looked good in limited action last week, but it’ll be a tough test against Arizona’s stout defense.
Sean Bialaszek: With Vernon Davis’ injury, Derek Carrier will play a big part to offense. The third year tight end played well against Chicago, totaling three catches for 41 yards and showing he is unafraid to make big catches over the middle. Even though no one player can make up for the loss of Davis, he has the size, speed and talent to make up for some of what the offense is lacking with Davis’ injury.
Brendan Kennealy: With Vernon Davis possibly being out, the offense will have to look for Vance McDonald and Derek Carrier to step it up in his absence. Whether it be by putting in work on the offensive line to help Kaepernick and Gore, or going out into the flats and catching some passes, they need to make up for Davis’ absence somehow.