The injury bug has continued to hit the San Francisco 49ers, as they lost starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a foot injury on Sunday.
He could possibly return for the playoffs if they make it far enough, but at least for now, they will have to make do with rookie Brock Purdy, the last player taken in April’s NFL Draft, under center.
The situation caused former 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens to reach out to team CEO Jed York about his desire to return to the league.
“Hey look, man, I’ve already kind of sprinkled some words out there,” said Owens in a recent interview. “Like yo, if you guys need a receiver, I’m good. Listen here: third down, red zone, trust me. I’m a very valuable asset.
“I’ve been training … I’m already ready, I’ve already reached out to Jed York, I’ve already told him ‘Yo, if you need somebody, I’m definitely a viable (option).'”
The odds of the Niners taking Owens up on his offer are slim to none, if for no other reason than the fact that he is 49 years of age.
Owens Was A Talented But Enigmatic Star
A third-round draft pick in 1996, Owens didn’t play much as a rookie, but he started to see major playing time in 1997 when the legendary Jerry Rice missed almost the entire year with two knee injuries.
As Rice aged, Owens became the 49ers’ No. 1 option on offense, but his antics, on and off the field, started to pile up, and although they were amusing at first, they eventually became a distraction.
By 2004, the PR-oriented 49ers were sick of Owens’ shtick, and they traded him to the Baltimore Ravens, who subsequently shipped him to the Philadelphia Eagles.
He spent the rest of his career bouncing around from team to team before retiring following the 2010 campaign, and although he retired as one of the game’s most accomplished wideouts, his legacy is marred by his many incidents.
Happy 47th birthday to @terrellowens!
🍿 6x Pro Bowler
🍿 #PFHOF Class of 2018
🍿 NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
🍿 1,078 catches, 15,934 yards, 156 TDs pic.twitter.com/FDOHuFjWDF— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) December 7, 2020
Owens had attempted a couple of comebacks ever since, but no team has shown any real interest in him, and the 49ers have no need for someone like him, as they possess plenty of weapons, not to mention a harmonious squad that has a winning culture.
NEXT: Projecting The 49ers' Final Games Of The Season