Jacobs, Harbaugh meet, iron out differences

SANTA CLARA -- Veteran running back Brandon Jacobs, who is admittedly frustrated with his lack of contributions through five games, has cleared the air with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, he said."I spoke to coach Harbaugh a couple times in the last couple days," Jacobs said Thursday. "We ironed it out. We got it done."I understand where coach is coming from, and coach understands me from him playing football and understanding the athlete and the competitive nature of wanting to get out and play to help the team win, not only that against his former team. In this case, his former team is not important. What's important is for us in the long run."Jacobs said he has been healthy enough to play for a couple weeks after sustaining a left knee sprain on Aug. 18. But he told reporters on Thursday that the 49ers are wisely being cautious. The 49ers play the New York Giants on Sunday at Candlestick Park. Jacobs played his first seven NFL seasons with the Giants.REWIND: Jacobs' frustration grows with inactivity
"I'm going to take the opportunity they're giving me to get myself 100 percent where I can help this team," he said, "And (that's) when the team gets deep down into the season, into December, January and into February."Jacobs expressed frustration in comments he made Wednesday to USA Today, intimating that the 49ers' plan for him had not been communicated."Oh, very," Jacobs told the newspaper. "Because I don't know anything. I don't know what's what. But I'm hanging in there, I'm working every day, doing what I have to do. Let's say I'm just working and doing what I have to do and that's that."I've learned over the years when you open your mouth and say certain things, it hurts you, so I'm just going to shut up and keep working."On Thursday, Jacobs said he does not need to know his role. When he returns to action, he is likely to be the team's No. 3 running back behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. With 56 regular-season touchdowns in his previous seven seasons, Jacobs might also be used as a short-yardage back."As a running back in the NFL, you don't need to know what your role is," Jacobs said. "You're sitting in meetings like everybody else. Whatever opportunity presents itself, that's what you take, and make your coaches right. You go out and run what they want you to run and you make them right by putting you in there."