Chris

Culliver

We assume Kerley will see the majority of returns, though Westhoff expects at least 35-40 percent touchbacks until the weather turns colder. Westhoff is hesitant to use Jim Leonhard on punt returns, so Kerley and possibly McKnight will handle those duties as well.

A good-looking young player, Culliver has been San Francisco’s nickel back, playing left corner when opponents use three receivers. We suspect he will be active against the Saints, but illnesses can affect on-field performance.

Culliver essentially emerged as a starter during his rookie year, playing left corner in all nickel packages down the stretch. Beat writer Matt Maiocco notes that RCB Tarell Brown played well in his first full season as a starter, and fourth corner Tramaine Brock will return. Those factors could lead to the 49ers to low-ball free agent Carlos Rogers. Eight-year vet Shawntae Spencer, who is scheduled to make $3.2 million in 2012, is not expected to return.

Culliver’s status for Monday’s game was never a concern. He practiced on a limited basis throughout the week and will continue to operate as San Francisco’s nickel back, manning left corner on all passing downs. The impressive, 24-year-old Culliver is Pro Football Focus’ 20th-ranked corner this season.

Under the microscope after making homophobic remarks during the week, San Francisco’s No. 3 corner was relentlessly challenged by Joe Flacco, and got burned repeatedly. Culliver was the culprit on both Anquan Boldin’s 30-yard sideline grab in the first quarter — a ball Flacco appeared to heave in desperation — and Jacoby Jones’ game-changing 56-yard touchdown with 1:56 remaining in the first half. Jones simply blew by Culliver coming out of his break. The 2011 third-round pick graded out as a top-30 corner in Pro Football Focus’ ratings, but the 49ers will likely consider corner a position of need after its secondary’s dismal postseason showing.

“I don’t do the gay guys man,” Culliver said on the Artie Lange Show. “I don’t do that. No, we don’t got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do.” Culliver’s extremely unfortunate remarks help illustrate why there’s yet to be an openly gay active player in North American sports, but are unlikely to draw a fine from commissioner Roger Goodell. The second-year pro progressed on the field this season, but has some growing up to do off of it.

“The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel,” Culliver said. “It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience.”

This would be the same Chris Culliver who made insensitive remarks about the LGBT community during Super Bowl week. Culliver pledged to “learn and grow” from his Super Bowl experience, but has clearly done neither. The 49ers are handling the matter “internally.” Culliver can’t afford any more off-the-field missteps after struggling on it during the playoffs.

A gunner on the punt team, Culliver got mixed up with rookie CB Marcus Cooper and tore his ACL. The soon-to-be 25-year-old was overmatched in Super Bowl 47, but earned a positive season grade from Pro Football Focus. Culliver was penciled in as the Niners’ No. 3 corner. Nnamdi Asomugha, Tramaine Brock, and Perrish Cox will now vie for that role. Culliver’s loss is a huge blow to a San Francisco team already needy at cornerback. The 49ers tried trading for Eric Wright in July, but Wright failed his physical and was released.

Culliver was covering a punt when he fell to the ground and clutched his left knee. He immediately called a trainer over, and he was carted to the trainer’s room as tears flowed down his face. We’re not going to speculate until further details emerge, but it doesn’t sound good. Culliver is the Niners’ No. 3 corner.