Josh

Morgan

Morgan managed just 35 yards on three catches. Braylon Edwards made it through just three snaps before tweaking his knee. Ted Ginn picked up the slack with 43 snaps. Michael Crabtree is expected to return this week, and Edwards is listed as day to day. We’re not sure there is a single Niners receiver worth carrying in standard-sized leagues right now.

Morgan did well hauling in three of his five targets, but there’s not much to see here. We would have liked to have seen a better performance out of him with Michael Crabtree out. Morgan can be safely kept on waivers in almost every league.

Morgan is the only 49ers wideout who plays every single snap, but he’s shown little separation skills and has yet to exceed 35 receiving yards in a game this season. Leave Morgan and Michael Crabtree at the end of your bench.

The Niners haven’t decided yet if Morgan will be placed on injured reserve, but it’s certainly a distinct possibility. Doctors may not know if the bone is displaced or not until they operate on Morgan. Either way, Ted Ginn is the likely No. 2 receiver for the Niners until Braylon Edwards (knee) gets back after the Week 7 bye.

Harbaugh also said he’s “unsure” if Morgan will play again this season, which in all likelihood means he won’t. The Niners are expected to go two tight end-heavy on offense moving forward, relying on Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker more than interim No. 2 wideout Ted Ginn. Morgan was San Francisco’s best blocking receiver, so his loss may also hurt in the downfield running game.

He was taken off in a cart and couldn’t put any weight on it, and it’s too bad because he has had a decent two-game stretch with eight catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. Morgan might have earned some waiver wire consideration had he stayed healthy, but for now he’s hands off. Michael Crabtree, who was a victim of the blowout today, should be owned in all formats.

If he were to emerge from the situation unscathed, he could be worth a look in deeper leagues after a decent two-game stretch with eight catches, 140 yards, and a touchdown. However, the Niners’ opponent in Week 6, Detroit, is fairly stout against the pass (6.2 YPA heading into Week 5) and they have a bye the following week. Especially if he’s limited, you can do better.

Beat writer Matt Maiocco has no timetable for Morgan’s return, but it’s surely a season-threatening injury. Morgan led the Niners with 75 yards on five catches Sunday. San Francisco is now down to three healthy receivers: Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn, and Kyle Williams. Braylon Edwards isn’t due back until late October.

The Niners have openly stated that they want Morgan back, but “nothing is cooking” and “several teams” are expected to have interest if the 26-year-old hits the market. The Jaguars connection may be dot-connecting because Jags wideouts coach Jerry Sullivan was Morgan’s position coach from 2008-2010.

Morgan will command less money than the Vincent Jacksons and Marques Colstons, “yet might play as well.” The 49ers also believe Morgan has far more potential than his past statistics indicate. “His talent is undeniable,” writes Lombardi, “and teams will pay well for his services. He will be off the market before Sunday.” Morgan is expected to hit free agency on Tuesday.