Randy Moss News

It's worth noting that Vernon Davis participated exclusively with the wide receivers, not the tight ends, during the 49ers' past mini-camp.

Do OTAs, or voluntary workouts, serve any real purpose or is it time for the NFL to do away with them? Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Spor are voluntary workouts, and they've become a rather heated topic of debate lately, bringing about the question of whether the NFL should do away with them.

Although the Dallas Cowboys may have pulled off the biggest and best trade in NFL history , they are a franchise known mainly for their bad decisions when it pertains to risk.

If it's too soon to conclude A. J. Jenkins is an NFL bust, listening to his words and hearing the voice within would explain why "bust" was an accurate assessment of his rookie season with the 49ers.

Receiver Ricardo Lockette is a former Seahawk who now gets his chance to shine with the 49ers.

The National Football League has always been one that asks the question, "What have you done for me lately?" Players can be rotated and ousted if they struggle, and conversely, players can sometimes get a great opportunity.

Which 49ers wide receiver will step up in the absence of Michael Crabtree in 2013? Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports For nearly 20 years, the San Francisco 49ers were privileged enough to have Hall of Famer Jerry Rice render the wide receiver position as an unquestioned dynamic in the Bay Area.

In 2013, second-year pro LaMichael James is looking to take on a bigger role for the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFL lost one Steve Smith this week when former Giants receiver Steve Smith announced his retirement .

Without Michael Crabtree, the focal point of the San Francisco 49ers' passing attack last season, the 49ers need all of their receivers to step up - Anquan Boldin, Vernon Davis, A.J. Jenkins and anyone else who can run and catch and breathe.

Two are out indefinitely , one now works in Nashville and another is a future Hall of Famer who is currently unemployed .

The NFL has seen quarterbacks and running backs become instantly successful over the years, more recently with regard to the quarterbacks, but the receiver position tends to be a more difficult one to master right away.

BOLDIN: It's cool. I'm out here getting work, picking up the system, players and coaches.

After 49ers tight end Vernon Davis caught six passes for 83 yards in Colin Kaepernick's debut as a starting quarterback last season, Davis said he felt as if the "handcuffs" had finally been removed .

Last week, it was confirmed that Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles tendon and he will miss a portion of the 2013 season.

After their appearance in the Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers enter the 2013 season with high expectations for another visit to try and take home the Lombardi Trophy.

Get a head start on the day's football talk with "NFL AM" at 6 a.m. ET on NFL Network.

In this Oct. 18, 2012 file photo, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree jumps over Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman during the first quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco.

The 49ers suffered a huge loss Tuesday during their first OTA practice of 2013: Wide receiver Michael Crabtree sustained a torn Achilles tendon and will soon have what could be potentially season-ending surgery, USA Today's Mike Garofolo reported .