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Oh, how this crazy thing called life can turn on a dime. Only in retrospect can we appreciate the exact repercussions of our decisions. Take Ashley Lelie, for example. In 2004, Lelie celebrated his third year in the NFL to the tune of 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns and appeared to be an emerging big-play guy.

Following a disappointing 2005, Lelie made an ill-timed attempt at holding the Broncos ransom for more money. He probably would have had more success doing this a year earlier; instead, Denver called his bluff and Lelie wasted his offseason, barely cracking 400 yards as an afterthought in Atlanta. Now he's in San Francisco, looking for a shot at redemption. The problem is, there are a whole lot of other guys blocking his view.

Ashley Lelie watched Monday as receivers Arnaz Battle and Darrell Jackson trotted onto the field with the rest of the 49ers' first-team offense. He looked on as Taylor Jacobs and Bryan Gilmore replaced them in the second quarter. He still was on the sideline when Brandon Williams entered the game.

By the time Lelie got on the field with two minutes remaining in the first half, five 49ers receivers already had been in the game. Five. As in the total number of receivers Mike Nolan has said likely will make the final roster.

Lelie has spent the offseason working with the second- and third-string teams. He hasn't caught many balls from Alex Smith, but you can never underestimate the importance of having a rapport with Shaun Hill. Lelie should still make the team; he is, surprisingly enough, the second-most accomplished receiver on the roster. But it's been a long fall since 2004, and though Lelie boasts no regrets, he has to think of how his choice to hold out derailed his career.