Golden Nuggets: Replacing Jersey #49

Hi guys! My name is Billy Kerr (billyk725) and I'm the new guy on Niners Nation. I have been a lifelong 49ers fan. Born in the 80's, my mom raised me watching the 49ers and one of my favorite pastimes was watching the 1990 Super Bowl between the 49ers and Broncos. I must have watched our video tape of that game about 100 times. I am a season ticket holder to the new stadium in Santa Clara. I have gone to roughly 80% of the home games in the last 5 years and every playoff home game the last 2 years.

As many of us 49er fans know, losing Bruce Miller is a significant blow to the team. He suffered a broken left scapula (shoulder blade) in Sunday’s win against Tampa and has been ruled out the rest of the season. He doesn’t jump off the TV screen, but he is a tremendous contributor to the offense. He is a big reason the Niners are top 5 in rushing yards and rushing yards per game. He not only opens up running lanes for Frank Gore, but he is the Niners 3^rd leading receiver. He averages 9.7 yards a catch and has 12 receiving first downs. Finding a suitable replacement for his contribution may result in using a committee.

First in line for his job would be Anthony ‘Boobie’ Dixon. Dixon already contributes energy to the special team and is a short yardage specialist for the offense, but he recently was getting frustrated with his lack of offensive opportunities. With Miller’s injury, it presents the chance for Dixon to show he can contribute. Another viable option would be to use Michael Wilhoite. Wilhoite learned the fullback position in the offseason, but I don’t think he will be able to be a reliable pass catcher. Another option is picking up a fullback. Will Tukuafu, according to sources, worked out with the Niners on Tuesday. It was also reported that former Stanford FB Owen Marecic could be an option. He spent 4 games with the Niners earlier this year and is a free agent.

I feel the Niners will go with Anthony Dixon carrying most of the duties and the offense going to more running sets without a FB. Look for Greg Roman to go to more 3 WR sets. The Bruce Miller loss is a blow to the Niners, but something they can overcome. As the saying in football goes, "Next man up".

Frank is definitely deserving of a Pro Bowl this year. Top 5 in TDs for running backs, top 10 in yards | Gore: Pro Bowl? (Pentis)

Looking at Tukuafu (Barrows)

Bring back Dawson and Whitner (Branch)

After David Akers last season, Jim begs Dawson to stay with team. | Harbaugh wants Dawson to stay (Crabtree)

Niners vs. Bucs Film Review (Barrows)

Harbaugh says the game is like chess. Would I forfeit a pawn for the opponent's queen? Absolutely! He says time outs are the pawn. Use them to get the right call. | Play Clock Issues: Harbaugh Says No (Price)

Power Ranking: #3 (Williamson)

The Seahawks are the wall? Well to get thru a wall, you must go around, go under, or my favorite: through it. Let's go through Seattle! | Power Ranking: #6 (Florio)

Dawson and Boldin have had big years for the 49ers. Anquan is having his best year since 2009. Great offseason moves. | 2 Offseason moves paying dividends (Williamson)

Compensating for Miller Loss (Maiocco)

Whitner on Twitter: "Y'all want me next year?" I think most fans would say YES! | Hitner wants to resign (Maiocco)

Dawson is 27-30 on FGs this year and has hit 24 straight. | Harbaugh Bros love their kickers (BASG)

It is finally here. The last game at Candlestick is a Monday night game against the Atlanta Falcons. There has been a lot of great memories for Niner fans there. From 'The Catch' to 'The Catch 2' to 'The Vernon Post'. Candlestick has been the home of amazing games and champions. Time to send it off in great fashion with a win and a playoff berth. | Saying Bye to the 'Stick (Price)

Falcons looking for revenge for NFC Championship Game (Richardson)

Biggest Questions for Niners heading into Playoffs (Desimone)

They always say it's best to play your best ball when it counts and with the playoffs fast approaching, Kaepernick is playing his best. Kaepernick playing his best at the right time (Akeley)

The battle continues. Niner fans want to buy a billboard in Seattle after Seattle fans buy a brick at Levi Stadium and fly a 12th Man banner over Candlestick. | Niners Billboard in Seattle? (Florio)

Let's get into the playoffs and we don't care who we play. We will be ready. | 49ers Playoff Scenarios (49ers.com)

"It'd be an honor to be on that sideline for the last game at Candlestick and we want to win it." | Harbaugh calls the Candlestick "Iconic" (Price)

No Roster Moves for FB yet (Williamson)

Last Sporting Event at Candlestick (Rosato)

A Look at the Niners Cornerbacks(Williamson)