Scott

McKillop

McKillop appeared in all four preseason games, was still experiencing soreness in his surgically-repaired knee as recently as June. He hasn’t appeared in a game since 2009. White took the ball just 34 yards on 12 preseason carries.

It bodes extremely poorly for McKillop’s chances of cracking Buffalo’s 53, as it’s been nearly two years since he tore his left ACL and patellar tendon. A fifth-round pick in 2009, McKillop was waived by the 49ers near the end of camp last season, and went unsigned until the offseason.

The Niners were reportedly just as excited about drafting McKillop as they were with Michael Crabtree. The rookie out of Pittsburgh is expected to play “Robin” to Patrick Willis’ “Batman” once Takeo Spikes moves on.

Aside from pre-draft deals with No. 1 picks, this is the earliest we’ve ever seen a draftee sign. A productive, try-hard type from Pittsburgh, McKillop practiced behind Takeo Spikes and Jeff Ulbrich at the TED linebacker position this spring. Ulbrich could be expendable if McKillop shows well.

Spikes’ MRI revealed the sprain. He left the loss to the Texans early and did not return. Spikes, 32, was replaced by rookie Scott McKillop. Spikes’ status for this week’s game against the Colts is unknown.

Last year’s fifth-rounder was bypassed by street free agent Matt Wilhelm at mid-season because McKillop didn’t meet Mike Singletary’s expectations. Limited to special teams again in 2010, he may never pan out as key piece at linebacker.

McKillop tore his left ACL and patellar tendon just over a year ago, and it’s fair to wonder if reconstructive knee surgery cost him a step. He was acting as the 49ers’ No. 4 inside linebacker in camp, behind Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman, and Larry Grant. Unless old defensive coordinator Greg Manusky gives him a look in San Diego, McKillop will probably clear waivers.

NFL.com had a transaction posted on its website that McKillop was waived, but the 49ers clarified the error on Friday afternoon. He remains on the roster, competing for backup snaps at inside linebacker and special teams duties.

McKillop will miss the entire season. He led the team in special teams tackles in 2009 and was expected to serve the same role in 2010 while backing up Takeo Spikes at “ted” linebacker. The injury opens the door for Matt Whilhelm and Navorro Bowman.

A 2009 fifth-round pick out of Pitt, McKillop was really coming on as a special teamer and Takeo Spikes’ backup at “Ted” linebacker before tearing his left ACL and patellar tendon in camp. He faces a long road toward recovery.