SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2005) -- The San Francisco 49ers placed wide receiver Rashaun Woods on injured reserve with a thumb injury, ending a second straight disappointing season for the team's former No. 1 draft pick.
Woods, who was inactive the first three games this season, injured ligaments in his left thumb late last week. He practiced despite the injury, but further tests determined that he needed surgery, which he underwent Sept. 26.
Woods was the 31st overall pick in 2004, parlaying his stellar college career at Oklahoma State into a high draft selection and the accompanying $3.85 million in guaranteed money from the 49ers.
But he has struggled from the start in the NFL. He missed three weeks of his first training camp with a hamstring injury, and he never caught up to his teammates during San Francisco's 2-14 season. Woods caught only seven passes for 160 yards and a touchdown last season.
He missed time in training camp this year with a strained quadriceps muscle and fell behind undrafted free agent Otis Amey on the depth chart.
The 49ers have two open roster spots after placing tight end Eric Johnson on injured reserve last week. Coach Mike Nolan said he is exploring options to fill the vacancies. It is likely the Niners would try to get some secondary help to replace starting cornerback Ahmed Plummer, who will miss up to six weeks after surgery to remove a bone chip on his left ankle.
