Asante Cleveland promoted to help injury-plagued TE corps

Injuries to tight ends Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald prompted the 49ers on Saturday to promote Asante Cleveland from the practice squad.

No. 3 quarterback Josh Johnson was released in a corresponding roster move, leaving the 49ers with only Blaine Gabbert to back up Colin Kaepernick, who appeared on the injury report this week with a back issue.

Cleveland (6-foot-5, 260 pounds) was among the 49ers’ final cuts after training camp. Undrafted out of the University of Miami, Cleveland had three catches for 22 yards in the preseason, including a 14-yard touchdown reception in the exhibition finale at Houston (on a pass from Johnson).

Davis (ankle) and McDonald (knee) are listed as questionable, leaving Derek Carrier as the only healthy tight end, though snapper Kyle Nelson and defensive lineman Demarcus Dobbs are emergency options.


(mercurynews.com)