It didn't take long for Anquan Boldin to show his new teammates and coaches that he can fill the void left by Michael Crabtree's Achilles tendon injury last week.
The veteran receiver stole the show during the San Francisco 49ers' Tuesday practice, hauling in all 10 passes thrown in his direction. Boldin was the best offensive player on the field "by far," according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
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We don't put much stock in a single offseason practice, but it's encouraging that Boldin already is emerging as quarterback Colin Kaepernick's go-to target.
"He's really picked up the system fast, and is making plays and big catches in tight areas," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said, via the San Jose Mercury News. "You saw what we've been seeing for a couple weeks now."
Having lost his separation speed, Boldin is eager to gain Kaepernick's trust in those tight areas referenced by Harbaugh.
"He's a special talent. He can make any throw on the field," Boldin said. "I want Kaep to be comfortable. Even if it doesn't look like I'm open, give me a chance."
Kaepernick leaned on Crabtree for nearly 10 targets per game in his 10 starts last season. Boldin already is making his case to hold off tight end Vernon Davis for that go-to role this year.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
