Brandon Jacobs, a major cog at running back the Super Bowl champion New York Giants last year, has not had a single carry for his new team, San Francisco 49ers. And he is not happy about it.
“How many times have you seen me [on the field] this year?” Jacobs asked rhetorically in USA Today.
Jacobs was asked how he felt about the rematch of the NFC Championship game this week between his old team and current team.
“It would be different if things were different, put it that way,” Jacobs said. “I don’t have any thoughts on it.”
Jacobs, 30, signed with 49ers after being released by the Giants in the spring over a contract dispute. There was a gap of roughly $500,000 and the Giants attempted to slash his $4.4 million base salary by more than half.
Jacobs signed with the 49ers during the summer under the assumption that he would have an active role in the offense, but it has been the complete opposite. And it might not change. Consider that last week, the 49ers set a franchise record with 621 yards of offense with Jacobs watching from the bench. Frustrating for Jacobs?
“Oh, very. Because I don’t know anything. I don’t know what’s what,” he said. “But I’m hanging in there, I’m working every day, doing what I have to do. Let’s say I’m just working and doing what I have to do and that’s that.
Jacobs claimed he was ready to play last week against the Buffalo Bills, even though the team decided to hold him out. Jacobs said he is healthy.
“I feel great. I feel phenomenal. My legs are as fresh as yours,” he told reporters. “I’ve learned over the years when you open your mouth and say certain things, it hurts you, so I’m just going to shut up and keep working.”
And what if he does not play against his old team?
“”It would disappoint me a lot,” he said. “But like I said, it’s not my call.”
During his seven year career with the Giants, Jacobs rushed for 4,849 yards and 56 touchdowns. Jacobs could be released soon and free to sign with another team.