SANTA CLARA -- Brett Swain flew in from San Diego in October to take part in a one-day competition to fill the spot on the 49ers' roster that opened due to Joshua Morgan's season-ending injury.Obviously, he knew T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Brian Finneran and Chris Chambers. But he identified somebody else that day as a threat.When all the receivers lined up to race 40 yards, Swain finished a close second behind undrafted rookie receiver Joe Hastings. Still, Swain was signed ahead of the 49ers' practice-squad receiver.Hastings is expected to join Swain on the 49ers' 53-man roster for the regular-season finale on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams after the club released Braylon Edwards this week.
And Swain might join Michael Crabtree in the starting lineup, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. Ted Ginn (ankle) and Kyle Williams (concussion) were not expected to practice Thursday.Since signing with the 49ers in mid-October, Swain has suited up for four games. He has played 20 snaps from scrimmage and has one catch for nine yards. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Thursday that it's possible Crabtree and Swain will be the starters Sunday against the St. Louis Rams."If I got in there at any position, I'll be ready to be able to make plays and hopefully help the team win," Swain said. "I think the expectations for everybody is the same. Coaches put in the guys they think they can win games with. When I get on the field and able to jump in there, I have to be ready to roll."Swain remained ready for his opportunity after the Green Bay Packers released him prior to the start of the season. He remained in shape and took advantage of the chance the 49ers gave him as part of a tryout.
"That day was definitely a competitive environment," Swain said. "There were four or five guys out here fighting for a job. Joe stood out as, 'Hey, I'm going to be out here and I'm going to be working hard just like you guys.'"And I think that's what it came down to, is who was going to outwork each other. And Joe was that guy that I had my sights on. This guy is going to work hard. He's going to run his routes hard. He's going try to be good technically at everything he does."Swain and center Jonathan Goodwin are the only 49ers with Super Bowl rings. Swain caught six passes last season for the Green Bay Packers and played special teams in the Super Bowl.
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