“We had a lot of discussions about whether we should eliminate it and if we did, what we could do in its place,” Mara told Giants.com. “There’s no consensus on it right now, but I could see the day in the future where that play could be taken out of the game. You see it evolving toward that.”

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Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

When the San Francisco 49ers announced they would sign Brandon Jacobs, the 49ers Faithful were elated with the bringing in the former Giants running back.  But one question that may have come up is how will this work with starting running back Frank Gore and the emerging Kendall Hunter also in the backfield?  Jacobs was the workhorse RB for the Giants from 2007, when he had his first 1,000 yard rushing season, until 2010 when he lost out on the starting role to Ahmad Bradshaw. Even though Jacobs was not the main back in 2010 and 2011, he still contributed to the rushing attack.

After officially signing his contract with the 49ers on Friday, Jacobs put to rest any fears from the 49ers Faithful about his role with the team.  Jacobs said he knows Gore is the number one running back and he will do “whatever is best for the team” even if that includes a backup role.

With his 6-foot-4, 264-pound frame, Jacobs will give the 49ers the much needed short-yardage/goal line running back the team has lacked in recent years.  Anthony Dixon was supposed to fill this role the last two seasons but has failed to be the reliable RB the team needed in those situations.

It is reassuring to hear Jacobs is comfortable with any role head coach Jim Harbaugh wants him to take this season.  Last season Jacobs worked well in tandem with Bradshaw as they helped the Giants to a Super Bowl title.  The trio of Gore, Hunter and Jacobs will give the 49ers a well-rounded running game that will give defenses problems to stop.  Jacobs’ playoff experience and two Super Bowl rings will also help the 49ers in crucial games next season.

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