SANTA CLARA -- Practice-squad receivers Joe Hastings and John Matthews will compete for the right to be promoted to the 49ers' 53-man roster to replace Braylon Edwards, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday."(They've) worked very hard, like all of the practice-squad guys have," Harbaugh said. "Those guys have worked extremely hard. They'll continue to do that. They know what the situation is. And we'll let the competition unfold."Although the 49ers have not made an announcement, Matthews said he believed Hastings was next in line for the promotion.
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Harbaugh said the 49ers probably will not bring free agents in from the outside to compete for the roster spot. If the 49ers were to hold a tryout, it would've taken place on Tuesday. The 49ers do not have to make a roster move to promote a practice-squad player until Saturday.
The timing of the 49ers' decision to release Edwards was curious. Michael Crabtree and Brett Swain are the 49ers only two healthy receivers. Ted Ginn (ankle) and Kyle Williams (concussion) are uncertain for Sunday's game.But Ginn is "making very good progress," Harbaugh said. And Kyle Williams (concussion) appears to be improving rapidly."Like we explained to Braylon, we're doing what we feel is in the best interest of the team," Harbaugh said. "I don't feel the need to explain it or rationalize it. Get the best roster we can, what's best for our football team. That's why the decision was made."
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