49ers give CB Cox a second chance

Cox could become a key special teams addition returning kicks as San Francisco might not bring back Ted Ginn Jr. In a 20-17 overtime loss in the NFC championship game to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants, Kyle Williams fumbled a punt that set up Lawrence Tynes’ winning field goal.

During the trial that ended March 2 in Castle Rock, Colo., Cox’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, disputed the DNA test results and suggested they may have been contaminated. He tried to paint a picture of drunkenness and of the alleged victim being able to interact with people without remembering.

Cox had 57 solo tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception as a rookie in 2010. Playing for current 49ers defensive backs coach Ed Donatell while in Denver, he appeared in 15 games with nine starts and ranked third among 2010 rookies with 14 passes defensed.

Cox isn’t ready to predict himself in a starting role for 2012 in Vic Fangio’s stingy defense.

“Whatever role I need to be in, I’ll take full pride in it and give it my whole for the whole organization,” he said. “If I am (a starter), it’ll be proven. But if not, I’ll take the backup role, also. I’m here to prove whatever I can prove. Whatever I’m asked to do, I’m here to do it.”

Gordon was originally drafted in the third round by Baltimore in 2008 and played 41 games with the Ravens before signing with San Francisco last September. He has 12 special teams tackles for the 49ers.

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