Roman, tackle meet in wake of unflattering tweet by Davis
A month after 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman drew criticism from general manager Trent Baalke’s daughter, Cassie, he’s taking shots from someone actually employed by the 49ers: right tackle Anthony Davis. Two days after Davis posted a controversial tweet about Roman, he didn’t back down Friday when asked about his coach by a group of reporters. Davis said he met with Roman on Friday — a meeting inspired by his tweet — and said he respected Roman as a “person.” When asked if he respected Roman as a coach, Davis didn’t respond. On Tuesday, Davis said, via Twitter, that Roman told him when he was 21: “You know we can get someone off the street to do what you do.” Davis, now 25, turned 21 during his rookie season. Davis’ primary issue, however, appears to be with how the 49ers have tweaked their power run game this season. After leading the NFL in rushing attempts from 2011 to 2013, their 23rdr anked attack ranks ninth in that category this season. The tackle implied that was the reason the 49ers (7-8) will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2010. “We’re going home after this week,” he said. “Maybe we tried to trick them this year.” Later, he added: “I don’t think it’s that complicated what we need to do. I’m a player, and I just know what we don’t need.” Asked about Davis’ criticism of Roman, head coach Jim Harbaugh termed it “misguided” but declined to comment further. Davis is certainly the most outspoken, but he might not be the only member of the offensive line disenchanted with the shift in offensive philosophy. After a 13-10 loss to the Rams this season, left tackle Joe Staley said a lack of execution and “dumb schemes” were responsible. On Friday, Staley suggested running back Frank Gore, who has 962 yards and is averaging 4.2 yards a carry, has been underutilized this season. “Stats are going to say he had a down year,” Staley said. “He’s been getting 10 touches (actually, an average of 15.9, down from 18.3 in 2013). I think he’s better. He’s been running harder, more physical.” Returner added: With their top two punt and kickoff returners dealing with injuries, the 49ers signed return specialist Trindon Holliday in advance of their regularseason finale Sunday against Arizona. The 49ers also placed guard Alex Boone (knee) and special-teamer Bubba Ventrone (groin) on injured reserve, and promoted practice-squad cornerback Cameron Fuller to the 53-man roster. The 28-year-old Holliday, 5-foot-5 and 166 pounds, has averaged 26.9 yards on 51 kickoff returns and 9.4 yards on 82 punt returns during his four-year career. He has scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns and two on punts. A sixth-round pick by the Texans, Holliday spent time with Houston (2011-12) and Denver (2012-13) before playing this season with the Giants and Buccaneers, who released him Nov. 17. Holliday, who has just two career receptions, has had 12 fumbles on returns, losing three. He expects to return kickoffs and punts Sunday with returner Bruce Ellington (hamstring) questionable. Backup punt returner Perrish Cox (shoulder) is also questionable, and Carlos Hyde (knee), the second-string kickoff returner, is out. Holliday will remain on the 49ers’ offseason roster. Meanwhile, Harbaugh indicated Boone has a torn meniscus that will require minor surgery. He will be replaced in the lineup by Joe Looney, who will make his third career start. Wide receiver Stevie Johnson (knee) and safety Eric Reid (concussion) were ruled out. Reid did participate in warm-ups Friday in a noncontact jersey, but did not practice this week.