49ers sign Josh Johnson, release Asante Cleveland, sign Asante Cleveland to practice squad

In case you missed the fairly subtle mention yesterday, the San Francisco 49ers waived tight end Asante Cleveland and re-signed quarterback Josh Johnson. In follow-up news today, the beat writers are reporting the 49ers have signed Cleveland back to the practice squad.

The 49ers promoted Cleveland from the practice squad last Saturday due to the eventual absence of Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald on Sunday. Derek Carrier was the starting tight end, and Cleveland handled special teams work. I believe it was the first time in the Jim Harbaugh era that the 49ers did not use a second tight end the entire game. They instead used an extra offensive lineman a few more times.

This is good news in regard to Vernon Davis. The 49ers are back at practice on Wednesday, which means we will get a practice participation report. It sounds like Davis is back on the practice field, while Vance McDonald remains sidelined. If McDonald cannot play this weekend, it will be interesting to see how the 49ers use Davis and Carrier. Do we see more spread work, or does Carrier get worked into more 2-TE formations? We await the answer.