SAN FRANCISCO -- The defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers, suddenly down to only one healthy quarterback, reached out Monday and grabbed veteran Gary Huff.
Huff hasn't played in almost two years but as a former 49er he is familiar with Coach Bill Walsh's offense and thus was the logical choice as backup behind Joe Montana.
No. 2 Guy Benjamin suffered a concussion more than a week ago and last Saturday, No. 3 Bryan Clark suffered an ankle injury. While Benjamin may be able to play in another week or two, Clark is expected to be out of action for some time.
'I'm not sure if Guy will be ready to play Friday (when the 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks in the final exhibition game) and Bryan won't be ready,' said Walsh, 'so obtaining Huff was the most logical move. Gary knows our system and should be able to help quickly if necessary.'
Huff was San Francisco's No. 3 in 1980 but did not play in a single game. Last year, the 49ers decided to go with only two quarterbacks, so Huff retired and went to work in Florida as a certified public accountant.
He leaves that job now to return to the 49ers. Huff said while he hasn't played any football in a year he is in excellent physical condition and could be ready to go 'very soon' if needed.
According to Walsh, the 'very soon' will be Friday night against Seattle because the coach doesn't want to expose Montana to possible injury a week before the start of the regular season.
The 49ers cut six players on Monday to get down to 64. Four more must be cut on Tuesday to meet the NFL limit of 60. The final cutdown to 49 players -- 45 on the active roster and four on the Taxi Squad -- will be made on Sept. 6.
Cut Monday were three veterans and three rookies. The vets let go were running backs Rickey Patton and Johnny Davis and defensive tackle Archie Reese. The rookies were safety Verlon Redd, center Kurt Hout and linebacker Brad Vasser.
