SANTA CLARA -- Veteran running back Brandon Jacobs was provocative on social media last week, presumably after finding out he would not be active Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Coach Jim Harbaugh on Monday took the opposite approach during his weekly press conference. Harbaugh declined comment on Jacobs, who is upset with his lack of playing time.
"I really don't have a comment on that for you," Harbaugh said.
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Has Harbaugh spoken with Jacobs?
"No comment.
Is Jacobs still part of the team?
"I'll go with the Fifth Amendment."
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Kendall Hunter's season-ending injury opened the door for the 49ers to incorporate a different running back into the backup role. Jacobs has just 7 yards on five carries while being active for only three of the team's 12 games. On Sunday, LaMichael James took over as the backup, with Anthony Dixon inserted into short-yardage situations.
But it does not necessarily mean that the 49ers plan to release James. One source said the 49ers might be reluctant to release Jacobs and allow him to catch on with another team. After all, is a fresh 6-foot-4, 264-pound running back who might be able to contribute to another team over the final three weeks of the regular season and, potentially, the playoffs.
While Jacobs has expressed his views to his followers on Twitter and Instagram, he apparently is not creating any problems within the 49ers. On Sunday, he was seen on the sideline encouraging rookie running back LaMichael James, as well as second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Jacobs was the last 49ers player out of the locker room at the start of the second half. He was jogging along the sideline as special-team Michael Wilhoite made a tackle at the Dolphins' 18-yard line. Jacobs was seen jumping in the air to celebrate Wilhoite's tackle.
Last week, Jacobs changed his Instagram name from "speed4527," a combination of his 49ers jersey number and the number he wore with the New York Giants, to "speed2727" -- a repeat of his Giants number.
He also posted the following comments, in which he complains about his playing time and seemingly downplays the credit Harbaugh deserves as coach:
"The only positive thing about it is I will be healthy for next season."
"Some people give the wrong person credit, this team win(s) because there is a lot of talent."
"I am on this team rotting away . . . this is by far the worst year I ever had."