Significant victory for Spencer, possibly 49ers
September, 7, 2009
Sep 7
5:27
PM ET
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The 49ers' decision to name Shawntae Spencer as their starting cornerback opposite Nate Clements looks like a welcome development after the team lost Walt Harris to a season-ending injury during minicamps.
Dre Bly showed enough during training camp to project as a potential starter, but he's an older player and perhaps best suited for a situational role. The team likes Tarell Brown as well, but injuries have slowed him and Brown lacks experience.
Having Spencer rise up and win the job less than one year after suffering a season-ending knee injury stands as a victory for Spencer and possibly the 49ers. Spencer started 13 games in 2006. The knee injury he suffered last season forced him to earn his way back. The standing he once enjoyed as a 2004 second-round draft choice no longer mattered.
Now comes the hard part: matching up against the Cardinals' receievers in Week 1.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
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