Niners add veteran QB Josh McCown to challenge for No. 2 job

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Josh McCown was keeping busy coaching high school football back in North Carolina while he waited for the phone to ring, knowing another opportunity might never come.

One call from the San Francisco 49ers changed everything.

McCown signed a one-year deal for the league minimum of $810,000 on Wednesday to be a backup for the 49ers, giving his NFL career new life and adding a veteran to the quarterback competition.

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McCown is expected to compete with rookie Colin Kaepernick for the No. 2 spot behind presumed starter Alex Smith. After throwing passes on a high school field for most of the summer, the opportunity to join new coach Jim Harbaugh's team was more than McCown could ever hope for.

"When you're sitting there waiting for the phone to ring, you work out every day, you want something else to do," McCown said. "I'm excited."

McCown's career has gone through a rapid turnaround.

He took an early morning flight from Charlotte to the Bay Area via Chicago, passed a physical, signed his contract and was on the practice field by the afternoon wearing No. 9. McCown clearly has some catching up to do if he wants to make the final roster. He was intercepted twice in limited action in practice, both by Dashon Goldson, although one was on a last-second heave to the end zone

The 32-year-old was with the United Football League's Hartford Colonials last year and had no plans to return to professional football for anything less than a NFL job. McCown spent eight seasons in the NFL, including the first four with the Arizona Cardinals.

He also played for Detroit, Oakland and Carolina. McCown's best season came in 2004 when he started 13 games for the Cardinals, throwing for 2,511 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

"I'm a competitior. I love to compete," McCown said. "I think the older you get, the more you want to compete. So I'll say that. Whether it's in practice or in a game, I'm looking to compete. And then past that, just looking to get better. As far as the future, tomorrow's not promised."

The 49ers have been searching for another backup since Harbaugh took over in January.

With Smith and Kaepernick taking the majority of snaps, San Francisco still needed a third-string quarterback -- and possibly another player to push the competition. The 49ers worked out Daunte Culpepper earlier this week, and they failed to land a splashier name previously through free agency.

McCown's name always had resonated with Harbaugh's staff.

McCown played for 49ers quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst, who was an assistant in Arizona and Carolina. McCown is also familiar with the West Coast offense, so the two have been in touch about a possible reunion since January.

Harbaugh and Chryst were in team meetings and not made available for comment.

"I don't care what stage of your career you're in, you always want to get better," McCown said. "So for me to be around coach Harbaugh, to see the way he coaches quarterbacks, a guy who has played that position and played it at a high level, it's exciting. It's neat just to see him coach the other guys and I'm appreciative just to be out here."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Kaepernick takes part in vigorous Niners passing session

The San Francisco 49ers welcomed a new face this week with the arrival of rookie signal-caller Colin Kaepernick, who threw to teammates at player-only workouts in the San Jose area, according to The Sacramento Bee on Friday.

Kaepernick first joined Wednesday's practice, but The Bee said Friday's passing session marked his most intense activity yet since undergoing a procedure on his left leg after the 49ers selected him in the second round of last month's draft.

Kaepernick is the second 49ers rookie to work out with veterans after receiver Ronald Johnson, a sixth-round pick, practiced with teammates for 10 days soon after the draft.

It's been suggested that the strong-armed, fleet-footed Kaepernick will find his way into the 49ers' attack, even if he sits behind Alex Smith, who also has actively attended workouts during the NFL lockout, along with 14 other teammates. The Bee reports that Smith has been joined by defensive linemen Isaac Sopoaga and Justin Smith, offensive linemen Joe Staley and Adam Snyder, and receivers Kevin Jurovich and Josh Morgan.

Kaepernick earlier received a copy of the 49ers playbook from a teammate, but is unable to communicate with San Francisco's coaching staff during the lockout. He planned reach out to Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who played under new 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh for the previous three seasons.

As for Kaepernick, the newspaper reports that it's not only the playbook and his new team he's getting used to -- the rookie just made the move from his parents house in Turlock, Calif. to the Bay Area.

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Niners interview VP of player personnel Baalke for GM job

SAN FRANCISCO -- Niners vice president of player personnel Trent Baalke interviewed Saturday with president Jed York for the team's general manager vacancy.

Baalke said the two met for about two hours at 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara. Baalke, with six years in the franchise, is largely considered the front-runner for the job -- and he sure sounds confident about his chances. Baalke had an informal conversation with reporters on the field at Candlestick Park before the team's season finale Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

York insisted last week that he would conduct a national search for the position, but he appears ready to promote from within his own ranks. The 49ers have been without a GM since Scot McCloughan's abrupt departure last March in what York called a "mutual parting."

An announcement could come as soon as Monday, one day before Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh becomes available following the Cardinal's Orange Bowl game Monday night in Miami against Virginia Tech. Harbaugh is one of the coaches the 49ers will target to replace Mike Singletary, fired late last Sunday after San Francisco's 25-17 loss at St. Louis eliminated the team from playoff contention.

Baalke spent time before kickoff Sunday shaking hands with several fans in the stands.

The 49ers, coached by interim Jim Tomsula on Sunday after he was promoted from defensive line coach, has missed the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season.

York said the new GM will have sole choice on whom he hires as the new coach.

Baalke orchestrated the contract extensions of two key 49ers this season: four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis and star tight end Vernon Davis. Those are two significant moves since Baalke took over football operations after McCloughan left.

In May, Willis received a five-year, $50 million contract extension that takes him through the 2016 season and includes $29 million in guaranteed money. He earns $10 million per season. Davis was rewarded with a five-year deal paying him $37 million overall, with $34 million guaranteed.

Baalke also selected rookie starting offensive linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati with the 11th and 17th overall picks, respectively, in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Niners kicker Nedney doubtful vs. Cards after missing practice

Joe Nedney didn't practice Saturday and was listed as doubtful on the San Francisco 49ers' injury report, meaning Shane Andrus likely will be the team's kicker in Monday night's meeting with the Arizona Cardinals.

Nedney also missed practice Thursday and Friday because of a right knee injury that kept him out of last weekend's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Andrus played in Nedney's place but didn't attempt a field goal or extra point in the 49ers' 21-0 loss.

Cornerback William James, who also missed the game against the Buccaneers, was listed as doubtful, too, because of a concussion. Offensive tackle Joe Staley was ruled out for the second consecutive game while he recovers from a broken leg.

Safety Dashon Goldson (ankle) is questionable for the 49ers. Cornerback Nate Clements (ankle), offensive tackle Anthony Davis (ankle), tight end Vernon Davis (ankle), running back Frank Gore (ankle) and wide receiver Josh Morgan (shoulder) are all probable.

Wide receiver Steve Breaston (knee), defensive end Calais Campbell (ankle), linebacker Clark Haggans (groin), running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (hamstring), cornerback Gregory Toler (foot) and defensive tackle Dan Williams (toe) are all questionable for the Cardinals after being limited in Saturday's practice. Cornerback Michael Adams (ribs), defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (shoulder), wide receiver Early Doucet (head), safety Kerry Rhodes (hand, back) and linebacker Reggie Walker (hamstring) fully practiced and are probable.

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Niners grant veteran safety Lewis his release

The San Francisco 49ers have parted with Michael Lewis, two days after the veteran safety reportedly requested his release.

Lewis did not travel with the team to Atlanta this weekend, having left the team Friday for what coach Mike Singletary deemed personal reasons.

The team announced Lewis' release Monday in a press release.

"I want to thank Michael for his hard work and leadership as a 49er," Singletary said. "We wish him and his family all the best."

Lewis and the 49ers' divorce began when the safety lost trust in the 49ers organization, according to a report Saturday in The Sacramento Bee. That mistrust may stem from an NFL Network report last Wednesday that Lewis and veteran LB Takeo Spikes were on the verge of being benched. Singletary denied the report, saying there would be no lineup changes vs. the Falcons, and stayed true to his word, starting Spikes.

Rookie S Taylor Mays started in place of Lewis and made his presence felt. He recovered a blocked Falcons punt in the end zone in the first quarter for a touchdown.

Lewis, 30, has started all 50 games in which he has appeared with the 49ers. He took a pay cut to remain with San Francisco for a fourth season. He played his first five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

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White's heads-up strip gives Ryan, Falcons second chance to beat Niners

ATLANTA -- Roddy White's best play came on defense, and it allowed the Atlanta Falcons to come up with another close-call victory.

When 49ers cornerback Nate Clements intercepted Matt Ryan late in the fourth quarter and ran 39 yards down the left sideline, White had one goal in mind: Knock the ball out.

"Any time that you see defensive players carrying the ball," Atlanta's star receiver said, "they aren't used to it, so you've got a chance."

Falcons WR Roddy White's biggest play could have been his strip fumble of the 49ers' Nate Clements, but he also put up enough numbers offensively to be among the weekly leaders.

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White's forced fumble kept the winning drive alive, and Matt Bryant kicked a 43-yarder with 2 seconds remaining to lift the fortunate Falcons to a 16-14 victory over the winless 49ers on Sunday.

"It wasn't the prettiest kick," said Bryant, who won last week's overtime game at New Orleans with a 46-yard field goal. "But the only thing that matters is we get that 'W' when the ball went through the uprights."

The Falcons (3-1) have won three straight.

San Francisco (0-4) blew a 14-0 first-quarter lead due in part to a pair of interceptions by Alex Smith.

"Those were critical errors," Smith said.

White caught seven passes for 104 yards -- including four for 60 yards on the winning drive -- but his biggest play was chasing Clements down and knocking the ball loose as he tackled him from behind at the Atlanta 7.

Falcons guard Harvey Dahl recovered the ball to preserve the 12-play winning drive. Clements picked off a pass over the middle that was intended for tight end Tony Gonzalez.

San Francisco went up 7-0 in the first quarter on Vernon Davis' 11-yard touchdown catch. The 10-play drive was aided by cornerback Dunta Robinson's 34-yard pass interference penalty against tight end Delanie Walker.

Four plays later, Falcons punter Michael Koenen was lined up to receive a snap in the end zone. A blown blocking assignment allowed Dominique Zeigler to run past long snapper Joe Zelenka and dive forward for the blocked punt.

Taylor Mays, seeing the ball arching down in his direction, turned toward the back of the end zone and kept both feet inbounds as he caught the loose ball for an unconventional touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

"I saw him block it, picked it up and tried to keep my feet in bounds," Mays said. "It was a trip, but I would have given it all up for a win."

Falcons running back Michael Turner ran 16 times for 50 yards, and Jason Snelling finished with 31 yards on seven carries.

Ryan, who completed 26 of 43 passes for 273 yards, connected with Gonzalez to convert Atlanta's final third down on a 5-yard pass to the San Francisco 26.

Late in the second quarter, Gonzalez caught a 9-yard pass to become the first NFL tight end with 12,000 yards receiving. Gonzalez, who spent his first 12 seasons in Kansas City before the Falcons traded for him last year, earlier this season became the first NFL tight with 1,000 career catches.

He seemed more proud of White and Dahl for extending the winning drive.

"We knew we just needed a field goal, so we had to get it 20 yards past the 30-yard line," Gonzalez said. "It's definitely all confidence when you are in the huddle at that point."

The 49ers failed to hold the one-point lead despite running 13 plays and using nearly seven minutes of the fourth quarter, but the drive ended with Smith getting sacked on William Moore's unblocked safety blitz.

"On that last drive, I thought we did a good job," Smith said. "We were moving the ball, but then we stalled. It was frustrating not to be able to get points."

Though the game ended with another loss, the Niners' early drive gave hope that coach Mike Singletary made the right choice in firing Jimmy Raye as offensive coordinator earlier this week and replacing him with Mike Johnson.

"As much as it hurts right now, I'm excited," Singletary said. "There were positives that came from this."

Frank Gore finished with 137 total yards, 77 rushing on 21 carries and 60 yards receiving on seven catches. Smith completed 21 of 32 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown.

Atlanta was 2 for 11 on third down plays before Ryan threw from his end zone to connect with Brian Finneran for a 17-yard gain down the left side.

White made four tough catches on the drive. His 19-yard reception against safety Dashon Goldson came in tight coverage on the left side before Ryan's second interception.

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After he helped the Falcons regain possession, White ran a sideline route on the right side and beat cornerback Tarell Brown for a 20-yard gain.

"It was an incredible catch," Ryan said. "The ball had pace on it. It was high, and he went up and just made a played when we needed to. That's the kind of thing we've come to expect from Roddy."

Early in the second quarter, Harry Douglas caught Ryan's 8-yard pass in the right flats and dove for the front pylon to cut the lead to 14-7.

Douglas' 34-yard catch late in the second quarter helped set up a 37-yard field goal by Bryant that made it 14-10 at halftime. Bryant cut the 49ers lead to 14-13 with a 31-yard field goal at the 5:53 mark of the third quarter.

"We made lots of mistakes and we've got lots of things that we've got to correct," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "But we're 3-1 through the first quarter of the season."

Notes: 49ers S Michael Lewis didn't make the trip. He missed practice Friday because of personal reasons and reportedly has demanded a trade. Mays started in his place. ... Falcons WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) and OLB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) did not dress. ... X-rays of Walker's sprained ankle were negative. He didn't return after leaving in the second quarter.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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