Ryan (6-5, 260) was originally a fifth-round draft pick by the Cowboys in 2004. He spent his first two NFL season in 2004 and 2005 alternating between the Cowboys practice squad and 53-man roster and then was traded by
After two seasons with the Jets, Ryan signed with Dolphins in the 2008 offseason. He made the Dolphins 53-man roster after training camp and saw action in the season-opener before being cut. He signed with Saints for one game later in September before being waived. He has played in 37 career games with six starts and has caught 11 passes for 97 yards.
Ryan gives the 49ers four tight ends on their roster. He would likely be used on special teams and as an H-back or blocking back with fullback Zak Keasey out for the season. Also, the status of backup tight end Delanie Walker is in question for the coming game due to an elbow sprain.
Matt- Did you see what Andy Reid did to the Seahawks with his TEs? We have better TEs, yet they have not had a game like this against the Seahawks. I'm hoping Singletary/new HC develops an offense predicated on getting the ball to Gore and the TEs first, in order to open up the deep ball.
Thanks Matt. Where is Eric Johnson these days?
Four TEs and no fullbacks? Was Kirtman that bad or is Ryan simply a better blocker? (His scouting report said Kirtman was more of a pass receiver.) Four TEs just doesn't seem like a wise use of roster space, IMO.
This is great: Bill Walsh on upper management issues (coaches, owners, and GMs. Anything sound familiar?...
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/wisdom-from-bill-walsh-on-relationships-between-coaches-and-gms/index.html?hp
Four TEs and no fullbacks?
4 TE sets FTW - hello, 10 in the box!
Great to hear... more special teams fodder that will turn the niner season around and into the playoffs.
But seriously, since the niner season is already sitting in the porcelain bowl waiting to be flushed, it's time to throw in our rookies for game-time experience. Rachal deserves a shot.
Good read here from King on teams like the Ravens and Falcons taking a chance on their rookies early.
4 TE's and no FB's? Do we see the 46 offense in the 9er's future?
Finalyst I agree with you 100%
good move for two reasons. 1. kirtman was not getting much playing time. 2. this should allow the team to utilize m-robinson in the backfield. if there's one player that has been absent in this offense it has to be m-rob. given the opportunity i belive m-rob can be a productive resource because of his versatility. with the q.b. position in flux, m-martz can shake up the offense by installing a few plays ala miami-dolfins 'veer' where m-rob could run or pass. i'm dating myself, but i remember the niners being in a similar position in the late 70's and using w.r. freddy solomon (former college q.b.) to create a few wrinkles on offense. like the 70's experiment there may not be any positive dividends, but at least we become less predictable and who knows maybe we get noticed for the play on the field rather than the coach' actions in the locker room.