From a surplus of receivers at his disposal to very few, Jim Harbaugh will need others to step up in the wake of the 49ers’ injuries.

Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Part of this plan will be utilizing Vernon Davis in the offense more than they have this season. Per NBC Pro Football Talk (via Elias Sports Bureau), Davis has been targeted just nine times over his past five games, corralling in only five receptions.

Granted, the quarterback change from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick probably has something to do with Davis’s lack of targets. The transitioning process generally effects the entire offense. Davis has been effected a bit more, though. Still, San Francisco will need him to step up now more than ever if they have hopes of contending for the Super Bowl.

That is, if he’s healthy.

Fortunately for the Niners, Davis “should be available” on Sunday according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. For reference, Davis suffered a concussion against the Seahawks this past Sunday that chased him from the game.

Jim Harbaugh said today that Davis will not practice today (Wednesday), but hasn’t endured any setbacks.

Davis was one of San Francisco’s two receivers to bite the dust on Sunday, as Mario Manningham was also knocked out of the game with an eventual torn ACL and PCL in his left knee.