Top 49ers picks on bubble for active list

SANTA CLARA -- Running back Brandon Jacobs and wide receiver Ted Ginn did not practice Thursday. It appears unlikely the 49ers will rush either back into action for the opening game of the regular season.

NEWS: Jacbos, Ginn doubtful
At full strength, the 49ers might have a difficult time finding a way to squeeze their two top draft picks, receiver A.J. Jenkins and running back LaMichael James, onto to the team's 46-player active list.But the chances of Jenkins and James suiting up Sunday for the regular-season opener at the Green Bay Packers appear better with the doubtful conditions of Jacobs and Ginn.When asked earlier Thursday if it might be tough to get Jenkins and James into the action for the opening game, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman answered, "It quite possibly may be. And if it is, it'd be of little concern to us."Neither Jenkins nor James has much special-teams value on the coverage units. If Ginn is unavailable, James could be active as the backup return man behind Kendall Hunter on kickoffs and Kyle Williams on punts. Frank Gore, Hunter and Anthony Dixon are the team's top three healthy backs.
Jenkins would still be on the bubble and certainly not guaranteed to suit up as the team's No. 5 wide receiver behind Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and Williams."We're more worried about the development of the player," Roman said. "As a player in the National Football League, try to think big picture and developing a young player. They will have, I'm sure, a role in that time frame. But, how big that is, that's of little concern. It's the ongoing development, building the right habits, making sure we're moving forward in our development. That's the most important thing."