49ers’ ‘old dog’ Phil Dawson faces uncertain future
Phil Dawson’s team-issued sweatshirt looks as if could be as old as the 40-year-old kicker wearing it.
The gray garment is, literally, coming apart at the seams and only three red letters remain from the “San Francisco 49ers” that was once inscribed across the chest.
Dawson, in his third season with the 49ers, suggested he had another that turned to rags during his 14-year stay with the Browns.
Dawson, who will be an unrestricted free agent, said he isn’t interested in addressing his future employment until after Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Rams at Levi’s Stadium.
Dawson is open to returning to the 49ers, but he did acknowledge he misses handling kickoff duties, a job that was given to rookie punter Bradley Pinion this season.
Special-teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey suggested that the switch has kept Dawson fresh, saying kickoffs require a “very violent leg swing.”
Dawson said he still has the “passion” and “desire” to keep kicking in 2016, but did note his decision to come back for an 18th season can’t be made official until he speaks with his family.
Running back Shaun Draughn (knee) was placed on injured reserve and the 49ers filled his roster spot by signing tight end Je’Ron Hamm off waivers from Washington.
Hamm, who entered the NFL last year as an undrafted free agent, has played in one career game (no catches) ...
Head coach Jim Tomsula said the tenor of his weekly conversations with CEO Jed York hasn’t changed.