Garcon still in Santa Clara, at least for now
Two days after head coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers were having trade talks involving Pierre Garcon, the wide receiver remained on the roster Tuesday as the NFL’s trade deadline passed.
“I feel pretty confident that he’s going to be here,” Shanahan said just before the 1 p.m. deadline. “I’m excited about that. Pierre’s excited about that.”
It wasn’t known how excited Garcon is about staying with a 1-7 team willing to part with his services. The 49ers, who didn’t make any deals Tuesday, might have telegraphed that Garcon isn’t in their 2019 plans.
Garcon, who will turn 33 in August, has 21 catches for 230 yards this season and hasn’t scored a touchdown in 15 games since signing with the 49ers prior to last season. The 49ers hold a 2019 option on his contract, which includes a $5.65 million base salary.
Parting with Garcon after the season would clear more playing time for rookie Dante Pettis, for whom the 49ers traded up to select in the second round.
It’s possible the 49ers didn’t receive any enticing offers for Garcon partly because he has been dealing with injuries to his knee and shoulder and didn’t play in Sunday’s loss at Arizona. Shanahan said he’d be “surprised” if Garcon can’t play against the Raiders on Thursday night. Plan C a possibility: It appears the 49ers will be weak at strong safety Thursday.
Shanahan said starter Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder) was “probably doubtful” to play and his backup, Antone Exum (concussion), would be sidelined.
Both Tartt and Exum were injured Sunday. After their exits, third-stringer Tyvis Powell entered and was in coverage on both of quarterback Josh Rosen’s fourth-quarter touchdown passes in the Cardinals’ 18-15 comeback win.
Powell, who was moved from cornerback to safety in training camp, was promoted from the practice squad Oct. 20. He did force a fumble the 49ers recovered Sunday.
“He kind of got thrust in there,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “… He did some good things. Obviously, there are some plays — some things that he wants back. If Tartt is unable to go this week, he’ll have another opportunity to prove himself. We have tremendous faith in him.”
The 49ers could move rookie strong safety Marcell Harris from injured reserve to the 53-man roster before Thursday’s game. Outside linebacker Dekoda Watson (hamstring) also could be activated from injured reserve this week.
On Tuesday, the 49ers opened two roster spots by waiving wide receiver Victor Bolden and cornerback Greg Mabin. Injury report: Tartt, Exum, quarterback C.J. Beathard (wrist) and inside linebacker Reuben Foster did not practice. Cornerback Richard Sherman (calf, heel) was among seven players who were limited.