49ers beat writer Grant Crohn notes that Vernon Davis practiced "exclusively" with the WRs during spring practices.  VD isn't about to switch positions, but it's a clear indication that he's being expected to play a significant role in the passing game this season.  WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles) might not contribute at all.  And WR Anquan Boldin is best in the slot.  "The 49ers need an outside receiver who can stretch the field, like Randy Moss and Mario Manningham did last season," Crohn writes.  "Davis may be the best candidate on the roster to fill that role this season."   Still a top-notch talent, Davis is plenty capable of a top-3 fantasy finish in 2013.

When WR Michael Crabtree went down with a torn Achilles, the 49ers lost a guy who racked up 94 targets, 61 catches, 880 yards and 8 scores in QB Colin Kaepernick's 10 starts last year.  So who will replace that production in 2013?  Insider Matt Maiocco confirms that Anquan Boldin "will be heavily relied upon as the team's new No. 1 wideout."  But Boldin is almost 33, and we have doubts about his ability to serve as the top option.  Maiocco believes TE Vernon Davis "is the strongest candidate to pick up the slack in the passing game."  Davis got off to a slow start with Kaepernick last year, but he tallied 12 catches, 254 yards and a score in 3 playoff games.  He remains one of the most talented TEs in the game.  And with a bump in targets, Davis is plenty capable of a top-5 fantasy finish.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (concussion) is active for today's game against the Cardinals.  He practiced on Thursday and Friday and received full medical clearance over the weekend.  VD always brings upside to the table, but it's become increasingly difficult to count on.  He hasn't caught more than 2 balls in a game since Week 11.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (concussion) put in limited practices on Thursday and Friday and is questionable for this weekend's game against the Cardinals. He's yet to be cleared for game action though. And VD didn't sound optimistic about his Week 17 status on Friday. "I've just got to get a little more comfortable," he admitted. We're not expecting Davis to play, and he's a shaky fantasy option even if he does. Davis hasn't topped 27 yards since Week 11.

49ers TE Vernon Davis has been cleared for non-contact football activity.  It's obviously a step in the right direction, but it's not a guarantee he'll be cleared for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.  San Fran is one of the most cautious teams in the league when it comes to head injuries.  We'll have another update on VD tomorrow.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (concussion) was unable to practice on Wednesday.  It'd be an upset if he's cleared in time for this weekend's game against the Cardinals.  If VD is out, Delanie Walker could see a few more targets.

49ers TE Vernon Davis took a huge hit from Seahawks S Kam Chancellor in the first half of Sunday night's game.  He was clearly shaken up as he walked off the field.  VD was taken to the locker room and quickly diagnosed with a concussion.  He's done for the night and will need to pass his baseline tests in order to play in the regular season finale.

49ers TE Vernon Davis went without a catch in Thursday night's game against the Seahawks -- the first time he was held off the stat sheet since 2008.  In fact, he didn't see a single target.  "Some of the routes I usually run, they are taking them away," Davis said. "The (routes) up the sideline, it's not there. Nothing's there."  VD entered the game averaging 5 targets, 3.8 catches, and 56.7 yards per game.  According to Pro Football Focus, he was on the field for all of San Fran's 60 offensive snaps on Thursday night.  However, he ran a pass route on just 24 of them, staying in to block on the other 36.  Davis' dud was a result of the 49ers' game plan against a tough Seahawks defense.  Look for him to get back on track in Week 8.

49ers TE Vernon Davis has played in 6 different offenses in his first 6 NFL seasons. But he’ll be returning to the same system in 2012 with OC Greg Roman back for another year in San Fran. That familiarity with the offense has allowed Davis to work on improving his game this offseason. "All the things that I felt like I struggled on, I have a chance to come out here and get better at it,” Davis said. “Like route-running; at the top of my route, giving a man a move before I get into my route.” HC Jim Harbaugh likes what he sees. "Vernon Davis is having an outstanding offseason," said Harbaugh. "Every day, just getting better at route-running; every facet of the tight end position, he's really excelling in that right now." VD exploded down the stretch last year, pumping out 536 yards and 5 scores in his final 5 games, including 2 playoff contests. That could be a harbinger of things to come in 2012. Davis comes with definite top-5 upside.

49ers OC Greg Roman believes TE Vernon Davis is finally comfortable in his offense.  "Vernon is really getting comfortable in what we're doing," Roman said. "And I started to notice it five weeks ago, and every week it's gotten better since, so really pleased with how he's playing. He's playing at a high level right now."  VD admits that the lockout impacted his ability to pick up the new scheme.  He came on down the stretch, though, totaling 244 yards and a score in San Fran's final 3 games.  Davis could be a value pick in fantasy drafts this summer.

49ers TE Vernon Davis came up big in Monday night's win over the Steelers.  Matched-up against Pittsburgh's LBs for most of the night, VD was consistently open.  His biggest plays came on a late 3rd-quarter drive.  Davis caught a 31-yarder to get the 'Niners out to midfield.  He later ran a short cross and turned upfield for a 21-yard gain down to the 1.  On the next play, QB Alex Smith executed a beautiful play-action fake to leave Davis wide-open for an easy score.  His 6 catches and 72 yards were his highest totals since Week 3.  And VD tied a season-high with 10 targets.  This is still one of the most physically-gifted TEs in the league.  But his inconsistent usage has made him a frustrating fantasy play.  He'll be worth using in Week 16, though, against a Seahawks team ranked 23rd in fantasy points allowed to TEs.

49ers TE Vernon Davis suffered a right arm injury in the 1st half of Sunday's game against the Browns.  He ended up missing just 7 snaps before returning.  But VD revealed afterward that he was playing through pain.  "I kind of landed on it wrong," Davis explained. "It went numb for a while. It was actually killing me the whole rest of the game. I managed to stay in there and keep it going."  Davis isn't scheduled for any additional testing tomorrow, so he should be fine for Week 9.

49ers TE Vernon Davis left Sunday's game against the Browns with an arm injury.  His return is considered questionable.

Update: VD returned to the game in the 2nd half.

49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco confirms that the team is expecting TE Vernon Davis to have a "huge season."  We haven't heard much on VD over the past few weeks, which is probably a good thing.  With Michael Crabtree struggling with a foot injury and Braylon Edwards learning a new offense with a new QB, look for Davis to be the #1 option in San Fran's passing game.  He's a darkhorse candidate to finish as fantasy football's #1 TE this year.

49ers TE Vernon Davis calls the team's new offense "TE-friendly."  He was reportedly extremely active in the passing game at a recent round of player-organized workouts.  We've heard multiple times this offseason that new HC Jim Harbaugh plans to feature the TE in his offense.  Couple that with VD's out-of-this-world athleticism and you get big-time upside.

A source tells Pro Football Weekly that TE Vernon Davis stands to benefit from the arrival of new HC Jim Harbaugh. "Harbaugh loves the TE," the source said. "He had three of them who helped kill Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl." In his final year at Stanford, Harbaugh's TEs combined for 68 catches, 876 yards, and 13 TDs. And you can bet he's never had the privilege of working with a TE as talented as Davis. Sounds like a match made in heaven.

As expected, 49ers TE Vernon Davis (ankle) is active for tonight's game against the Cardinals.

49ers TE Vernon Davis says the ankle injury that forced him from Sunday's game against the Bucs is not serious.  VD never returned to the game though, and this ankle has been troublesome all year.  It's definitely worth keeping an eye on.  We'll continue to update his status throughout the week.

49ers TE Vernon Davis left late in Sunday's game against the Bucs with an ankle injury.  VD has dealt with a bum ankle all season, so this is likely an aggravation.

49ers TE Vernon Davis aggravated his ankle injury during Sunday's game against the Broncos.  The team is calling his return doubtful.