The competitive tension between the Seahawks and 49ers, who hold claim to the NFL’s best rivalry, is starting to reveal itself in previously unrecognized fashion. Coaches Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh, who birthed the “what’s your deal” confrontation while the former was at USC and the latter at Stanford, ratcheted up the intensity. Wednesday afternoon at VMAC, the spotlight moved to the front office.
In a move at least partially borne of gamesmanship, Seahawks general manager John Schneider signed 49ers third-string quarterback B.J. Daniels to the 53-man roster, releasing undrafted rookie linebacker John Lotulelei.
Daniels is a rookie seventh-round draft choice out of the University of South Florida who did not play in the 49ers’ first four games. No big deal, right?
Not exactly. He was released by San Francisco Tuesday. Niners coach Jim Harbaugh Wednesday told reporters that the organization hoped he would pass through waivers and could be assigned to the practice squad.
A few hours later, Daniels was a Seahawk.
At 5-foot-11, Daniels’ arm strength and knack for escaping the pocket at USF drew comparisons to Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. In the preseason, Daniels tossed a trio of touchdowns while connecting on 62 percent of his passes, none of which were intercepted.
In Seattle, he seems destined to be a third-string quarterback, meaning he has little chance of playing behind competent veteran backup Tarvaris Jackson as the Seahawks prepare for Sunday’s game with the AFC South-leading Colts (3-1).
So why use Daniels to fill a precious roster spot?
The acquisition was a response to the 49ers’ decision to sign rookie wide receiver Chris Harper after the Seahawks signed the fourth-round draft choice to the practice squad Sept. 2. Harper hasn’t played since being shipped to San Francisco.
Shortly after Harper’s departure, Carroll was asked at his weekly press conference if he was upset about Harper’s departure to the arch-rival. Carroll gave a vanilla answer that was sure to avoid making headlines. When the presser ended moments later, he stepped down from the podium at the VMAC.
As he walked out of the room, he turned mid-step to a group of reporters.
“What did you want to me to say? Oh shit, they signed Harper?”
It was a smart-aleck response to the obvious, and the room erupted into laughter.
Whether the humor disguised his irritation then, Carroll and Schneider are laughing now.
Injury Updates
Center Max Unger was limited in practice Wednesday but Carroll said he expects him to play Sunday against the Colts. Unger sat out Seattle’s 23-20 overtime win against the Texans with an injury to his bicep.
Carroll said right tackle Breno Giacomini is in New York this week to continue undergoing tests on his knee. He is ruled out for Sunday.
Defensive lineman Michael Bennett participated fully three days after suffering what appeared to be a serious back injury when he collided with Houston quarterback Matt Schaub. Bennett isn’t expected to miss any time.
Defensive tackle Jordan Hill practiced without limitations for the first time since suffering a partially torn bicep in late August. The Seahawks selected Hill out of Penn State in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Former defensive end Bruce Irvin, who in the off-season moved to SAM linebacker, was back at the VMAC after serving his four-game suspension for violation of the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs. He spent the first four weeks of the regular season training at West Virginia, his alma mater.
“I got my work done and stayed off the ESPN ticker so I think I accomplished what I needed to do,” Irvin said.
11 Comments
There’s also the little matter of picking up a guy who’s been absorbing the 49ers playbook since August. Even if Daniels never plays a down (and he probably won’t), he’s an important acquisition for that reason alone. It’s one reason why SF picked up Harper, too. Or does nobody think coaches aren’t going to pick the brain of a player who only recently was with their fiercest rival?
After watching the pounding the Niners took the past two games from the Hawks, I don’t think they need any help figuring out their plays ;)
I thought of that, too, but a little extra knowledge never hurts and if the cost is only a slot on the practice squad, it’s worth it.
They had to use a roster spot (regular 53-man), not a spot on the practice squad.
This type of knowledge is generally meaningless and if that’s the only reason to add a player you’re making a terrible mistake. The 53 man roster is for talent that will see the field–not for an extra scout.
Ever notice since the Steve Hutchinsen debacle the Seahawks seem to be getting a Viking every season? IMO this wasn’t a player acquisition as much as it was a message to the 49ers.
And when TJack has played he has looked VERY good. Assuming no dramatic drop off in his future opportunities, he’s likely going to be after a starting gig next season.
Right now he’s better than some QB’s who are currently starting.
“the Seahawks and 49ers, who hold claim to the NFL’s best rivalry”
LOL. No.
I think it is CURRENTLY the best rivalry in the NFC. It certainly doesn’t have the history of some others such as Dallas/Giants or New England/Baltimore, but this year it is the real deal.
Your assumption is uninformed and idiotic. The Seahawks scouted Daniels extensively before the draft and probably would have signed him if he went undrafted. The Seahawks don’t play stupid mind games. They’re trying to build a winning football team.