Brandon Jacobs was carried off the field following what appeared to be a significant left knee injury in Saturday night's preseason game against the Texans.

Jacobs was down on the field for several minutes as Texans and 49ers players alike gathered around him in concern. The injury happened at the end of an eight-yard run and collision with Texans CB Kareem Jackson, who was also initially shaken up but appeared to emerge okay. Jacobs could bear no weight on his left leg afterwards, and was ultimately carted to the locker room. It's early, but we suspect Jacobs won't be playing football this season.

CSN Bay Area says Brandon Jacobs is in good shape for a "significant backup role."

Through seven practices, Jacobs is on track to secure a roster spot and short-yardage role behind Frank Gore. It's a sign that he's looking fresh after dropping 15 pounds since spring workouts. Still, we wouldn't waste a "handcuff" pick on the 30-year-old Jacobs. Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James are also very much in the mix for carries behind Frank Gore.

Brandon Jacobs is down to 260 pounds after reporting to spring drills at 275.

It's a good sign for Jacobs as he enters his age-30 season. He has to maintain some level of burst to win a short-yardage role in the Niners' backfield. "I feel faster, I feel stronger, I feel like I'm playing with better leverage," Jacobs said Thursday. Regardless, there won't be many carries available for the ex-Giant with Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James all in the mix.

CSN Bay Area believes Brandon Jacobs is the favorite for short-yardage duties, but "he'll have to earn it with a good camp."

The addition of Jacobs as a potential goal-line vulture is one of several reasons Rotoworld is down on Frank Gore's fantasy prospects this season. The 30-year-old isn't guaranteed a roster spot in a crowded backfield, though, so this is a storyline to follow throughout August.

Brandon Jacobs revealed that he would have returned to the Giants in March had the sides not been "a couple hundred thousand [dollars]" apart in contract talks.

Jacobs emphasized that money was the only factor that prohibited his return, suggesting he was fine with his role as Ahmad Bradshaw's sidekick. According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the Giants thought Jacobs return -- "at the right price" -- was still a possibility right up until he signed with the 49ers.

49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman confirmed that he views Brandon Jacobs exclusively as an inside runner.

Rathman hinted that Jacobs too often tries to tiptoe to the edge. "He has to understand who he is as a player. We need him to pack it up inside and run over guys and be physical as a ball carrier. If we want to ... run outside, we'll put somebody else in." Jacobs will try to earn a short-yardage role at training camp.

49ers RB Brandon Jacobs ''isn't concerned'' with competing for carries with Frank Gore.

''That part will work itself out,'' Jacobs said. "My role is going to come off how much I earn. I'm going to earn everything I get." The 49ers may enter the year planning to limit Gore's role, but have yet to commit to Jacobs as their short-yardage back. If he falls behind Kendall Hunter on the depth chart, he won't be guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the 49ers have agreed to terms with Brandon Jacobs, formerly of the Giants.

Jacobs is joining Randy Moss and former Giants teammate Mario Manningham as offensive additions in San Francisco. The 49ers will remain a run-dominant offense, with Jacobs perhaps handling the majority of the short-yardage and goal-line work, putting a dent in Frank Gore's fantasy value. Should Gore miss time, though, the more explosive Kendall Hunter would remain the back to own. Anthony Dixon appears to be the odd man out of the backfield picture.

According to the New York Daily News, there is still a "chance" free agent Brandon Jacobs will return to the Giants.

Jacobs wants to see what else is out there before signing on a lesser deal in New York. With Michael Bush and BenJarvus Green-Ellis off the market, the list of available backs includes Jacobs, Kevin Smith, Cedric Benson, Joseph Addai, Ryan Grant, Ronnie Brown, Justin Forsett and Tim Hightower.

Free agent Brandon Jacobs says he'd "love" to play for the Jets.

"I would love to do that," Jacobs said Friday. "It would be an opportunity for me to not have to relocate ... whichever team it is, I think is going to be a lucky team. I got a lot left in me, got a lot to offer." Jacobs would have to reconcile with the coach he called "fat boy" in December, but seems keenly aware of the fact he shouldn't rule out playing anywhere. Never a plus as a pass catcher, Jacobs wouldn't be an adequate replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson.

Free agent Brandon Jacobs was reportedly seeking only $2 million per year on a new deal with the Giants before his Friday release.

The Giants would only offer $1.5 million annually with a chance to earn more through incentives. Jacobs indicated in a statement after the transaction that he has no plans to return to New York on a lesser deal. "It's been a good ride," he said. "Time to move on. I just want to thank them for the opportunity."

Giants released RB Brandon Jacobs.

The New York Daily News reports the Giants only want Brandon Jacobs back for 2012 at a "greatly" reduced salary.

The Giants reportedly met with Brandon Jacobs' representatives at the Scouting Combine, but "did not come to an immediate resolution" on his future.

According to a source "informed of the discussions between the sides," the Giants are interested in retaining Jacobs for 2012, but would "prefer a much lower number" than the $4.9 million he's currently scheduled to make between salary and bonuses. Jacobs has said he's willing to take a pay-cut for the second consecutive offseason to remain in New York. With the Giants reportedly $9 million over the projected salary cap, it will likely have to be a sizable one.

Coach Tom Coughlin suggested that Brandon Jacobs will be back with the Giants in 2012.

Asked about Jacobs' future, Coughlin replied, "Brandon's been an outstanding part of our team. As far as I'm concerned, he's a big part of it." Jacobs will likely return after taking a pay cut from his $4.9 million in salary and bonuses.

After speaking with his agent, Brandon Jacobs "fully expects" to be back with the Giants in 2012.

"If they don't want me back then that's another story," said Jacobs, "but I got a feeling that they do. I definitely plan on being Big Blue for the 2012 season." Due a prohibitive $4.9 million in salary and bonuses, Jacobs is amenable to a pay-cut for the second consecutive offseason.

Brandon Jacobs is willing to take a pay-cut for the second straight offseason to remain with the Giants.

Jacobs, who is due a $500,000 roster bonus in March and $4.4 million base salary in 2012, sees the writing on the wall after he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in 2011. There's not a chance the G-Men will exercise his bonus, so Jacobs will have to agree to restructure in the next few weeks if he's serious about staying in New York. Any pay-cut will likely be bigger than the $1.75 million one he took last August.

Brandon Jacobs hopes to end his career as a Giant.

Brandon Jacobs rushed for 37 yards on nine carries in the Giants' Super Bowl win over the Patriots.

"We decapitated them," he said after the game. "They can't wear that crown no more, baby." Jacobs, of course, didn't play a big role in "decapitating" the Patriots' dynasty, playing a change-up role behind Ahmad Bradshaw as he did for most of the postseason. Due a $500,000 March roster bonus and unwieldy $4.4 million salary in 2012, Jacobs will have to restructure his contract if he doesn't want the Giants to cut him next month.

Brandon Jacobs now believes there's a good chance he will return to the Giants in 2012.

Jacobs definitely would have to accept a pay reduction from his scheduled $4.9 million in salary and bonuses, but he sounds at least willing to consider it. "I want to finish my career with this organization," said Jacobs. The Giants drafted Jacobs in the fourth round of 2005. He turns 30 next July.