Niners release Rossum

Sports Network | October 12, 2009

Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - The San Francisco 49ers released return specialist Allen Rossum on Monday to make room on the roster for rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

Rossum, who was originally selected by Philadelphia in the third round of the 1998 draft, was in his second season with the 49ers. Rossum wasn't active in the last two games for San Fran after playing in the first three this year.

In 13 games in 2008, Rossum returned 47 kickoffs for 1,259 yards, ranking third in the NFC for average yards per kickoff return (26.8). Rossum also returned 15 punts for 223 yards (14.9) and recorded an offensive touchdown. His 104-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Cardinals marked the longest in the NFL in 2008.

The 33-year-old ranks second in league history with 14,987 return yards.

He has spent time with the Eagles, Packers, Falcons, Steelers, and 49ers.