49ers coach wants Owens to return

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003 | 9:55 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

If Terrell Owens indeed played his last game with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Philadelphia before breaking his left clavicle, the thought didn't occur to coach Dennis Erickson. He was simply trying to win a road game, any road game.

"Didn't cross my mind," Erickson said of the soon-to-be unrestricted free-agent wide receiver. "I hope he's here. I was worrying about winning that game. That's something you think about after the season is over."

Erickson said Owens will be placed on injured reserve to free up a roster spot for practice-squad wide receiver James Jordan, who will give the 49ers a fourth receiver for Saturday's season-ending game against Seattle at Candlestick Park.

As for Owens' status as a 49er beyond Saturday, Erickson said he hopes he returns despite several contentious incidents earlier in the season that culminated with a sit-down between the two following the Minnesota game Sept. 28.

Owens, who finishes the season with 80 receptions for 1,102 yards and nine touchdowns, is expected to test the free-agent market.

"Ever since the Minnesota game, he's really focused on concentrating and doing everything we asked," Erickson said. "I have no complaints about T.O. at all."

The storm wasn't unexpected -- it had been predicted for days -- yet most of the playing field was several inches deep with snow throughout the game.

Rooney also noted the stands were piled with snow for the Dolphins-Patriots game at Foxboro on Dec. 7, and wants the NFL to step in and make sure that stadiums are in adequate shape for all games.