49ers place DT Kentwan Balmer on Injured Reserve
by David Fucillo (Fooch) on Dec 9, 2009 2:08 PM PST
in News
28 comments
So I guess that injury to DT Kentwan Balmer ended up a bit more serious than previously expected. Balmer had shoulder surgery this morning and has been placed on the Injured Reserve List, ending his season. To fill Balmer's roster spot, the team has signed DT Baraka Atkins. Atkins (6-4, 268) originally entered the NFL as a fourth round draft pick (120th overall) of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2007 Draft. He has played in 21 career games and recorded 28 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and one pass defensed. Atkins was released by the Seahawks in September. Atkins, a 25-year-old native of Sarasota, FL, played collegiately at Miami (FL).
Balmer has come under much criticism since the 49ers took him in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. The running joke his first year was that at one point he had more kick returns than tackles, thanks to his role as one of the up-men. This season he's certainly shown some improvement, although that's not too difficult when the bar was set so low his first year. Nonetheless, it seemed like we were hearing his name more and more as the season went along. Maybe not huge impact type play, but improvement nonetheless.
Of course, he could be stuck for a while behind Isaac Sopoaga, so it will be tough for him to break through for now. He's a guy we'll all be keeping an eye on next year in training camp.
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That's a real bummer.
You won’t be disappointed with Atkins. I was bummed when the Hawks cut him. I think you’ll find he’s a serviceable DT with quite a bit of upside.
The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.
Atkins
Is he really a DT? If his listed size is correct, he seems quite small to play DT, even on a 4-man line.
Still pretty small for 3-4 DE, even.
Maybe he’s here so the 49ers can test him out at OLB.
I like Atkins a lot, guys.
I was familiar with him before this and even made a few references to him before. If he is active he could be a good player, has some upside.
You can never resist the game... nor could I... we're the same, so don't even try.
I'm guessing he projects to be in during passing downs?
primarily? Seems kinda smallish to be in base defense.
Baraka Atkins?
Politics aside, that’s an awesome name. A lot goin’ on.
Jason Hill is turning the corner!
former North Carolina Tar Heel...
drafted him late in the first round of 2008. Right now, he’s amounting to a work-in-progress or @ this point…what I like to call a mole mound of beans.
How long did it take Sopoaga to develop?
He’s been in the league for less than 2 seasons.
If you want to call him a bust then you might as well call Tyson Jackson a bust too.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Dec 9, 2009 5:14 PM PST up reply actions
He's been playing a lot of snaps lately
Don’t you ever read Maiocco’s 53 player review?
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Dec 9, 2009 5:15 PM PST up reply actions
Lets not give him the B label yet
look at alex….
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are"
Rats
Just when he started to get going! I think he’ll be back for one more chance to make a difference next year.
one more chance?
unless his contract is up at the end of next year, then he’s gonna be around for a while
"They (The 1989 A's) are the best team I ever saw"- Mike Krukow
Standard...
… deal for most draft picks is four years. I’m not sure if Balmer’s is four or five, but he has at least two years left on his rookie deal (and he was a later first rounder, so he’s not making any obscene amount of money, per se).
I know Balmer hasn't made any highlight plays
But for those that think he’s a bust, I’d like to know what you are expecting from him. I expect him to be a quick DT that helps stuff the run and keeps blockers of the linebackers. He’s not where I want him to be but I still think his career is ascending.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
great
now who’s going to return onside kicks?
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
Balmer and Wallace
4 year projects on a team that can’t really afford to have 4 year projects.
by whistlingmountain on Dec 9, 2009 9:20 PM PST reply actions
Why can't they afford to have 4 year projects?
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by chikmagnet_565 on Dec 10, 2009 12:36 AM PST up reply actions
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