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San Francisco 49ers: 5 lineup predictions over the remainder of 2018

By Peter Panacy

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 and defensive back Antone Exum #38 of the San Francisco 49ers can't stop running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers as he rushes into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 and defensive back Antone Exum #38 of the San Francisco 49ers can't stop running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers as he rushes into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Dante Pettis Starts at Wide Receiver

Determining what pieces are either in place or not is going to be a valuable bit of information for Kyle Shanahan and Co.

And it’s clear the 49ers would rather have rookie wide receiver Dante Pettis, not veteran wideout Pierre Garçon, be a key piece in coming years.

Pettis has started just twice this season. His relatively lackluster offensive numbers are concerning, especially after the Niners used a 2018 second-round draft pick on him and traded up to grab him in the process. That said, Pettis’ maturation and development is essential to ensure he winds up being a bona fide contributor in Shanahan’s offense.

Garçon, meanwhile, has slowed down this season and has been limited to just 286 yards on 24 catches. At 32 years old, it’s likely more of a sign of things to come rather than simply being labeled as a “down year.”

This isn’t to say the 49ers relegate Garçon to mere backup duties. Instead, Pettis will see an increase in snap counts, taking them directly away from the veteran in the process.

Next. 5 49ers who could be cut during the 2019 offseason. dark

And it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see the rookie wind up starting the majority of games left on San Francisco’s calendar this year.