49ers' 355-pound tight end heads list of ‘hard workers'

DENVER -- It does not appear as if Leonard Davis is going to be a starter on the 49ers' offensive line.But there is no way he's going to complain. He is eager to please. And he likes his new role, which was unveiled on Sunday when he was used throughout game at tight end as an extra blocker. And he also knows if he voiced any dissatisfaction about his role as Alex Boone's backup, he might as well pack his bags."It's not a situation where it's all about me," Davis said Sunday, following the 49ers' 29-24 victory over the Denver Broncos in an exhibition game."It's the team. If they feel like I don't need to be a starter, then I don't need to be a starter. I'm not going to whine or cry about it. That's what it is. I think if I was whining, I'd probably be out of here."Davis, an 11-year veteran, entered at right guard in the second half with the 49ers' second-team offense. But he also saw extensive action at tight end, where the 355-pounder was required to report for six consecutive plays at one point the third quarter."I've never been part of a game plan like that. It's fun," Davis said. "I'm just trying to get on the field. Not only that but be able to go out and play and execute like you're supposed to."Davis thought he played better Sunday than he did in his first two exhibition games. Coach Jim Harbaugh saw the same thing."Coming off the ball, his pad level, he had some physical plays," Harbaugh said. "I think he got into rhythm and was in sync today."Harbaugh talked about a "hard-working game." Here are some of the players who fit that description:--Anthony Dixon, battling for a roster spot, gained 58 yards on 13 carries, including his touchdown run. He left the game briefly in the second half with an elbow injury. He said he is fine."It was tough," he said. "I think I did OK. I have to look at the film and see the details that I can sharpen up."--Defensive lineman Will Tukuafu also saw his first extensive action on offense at fullback. He made a key block on Anthony Dixon's 26-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.--Kyle Williams averaged 10.0 yards on three punt returns. He was a gunner on punt coverage for one play and was involved in the action. He also had a 46-yard reception from Colin Kaepernick."The cornerback broke on it early, Kaep put it in the absolute perfect spot where he couldn't get to it, and I could," Williams. "I got to turn that into six. That's got to be a touchdown."--David Akers showed to be in midseason form with five field goals. He made kicks of 33, 45, 21, 32 and 44 yards.--Quarterback Alex Smith and tight end Vernon Davis combined for the 49ers' biggest play of the game, which came immediately following a failed Broncos onside kick attempt.Smith found Broncos linebacker Von Miller trying to keep up with Davis in single coverage on a wheel route along the left sideline."It was a good matchup," Smith said. "Got him matched up on a linebacker, corner bit, and the rest was pretty easy."--Cornerback Perrish Cox might have earned more consideration -- or at least a move ahead of Tramaine Brock on the depth chart -- with a four-tackle, one-interception performance.