San Francisco 49ers: 4 players who should see more snaps vs. Broncos
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Wide Receiver Dante Pettis
Injuries and absences have played a role in rookie wide receiver Dante Pettis‘ recent ascent to the top of San Francisco’s stat sheet.
The 49ers have been without fellow receivers Marquise Goodwin (personal) and Pierre Garçon (knee) the past two games, pushing Pettis and second-year wideout Kendrick Bourne into more prominent roles.
San Francisco 49ers
It’s benefited both, particularly Pettis, who hadn’t made much of an impact this season after being selected No. 44 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Two weeks ago against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pettis logged 77 yards and a touchdown off four catches. Against the Seahawks, Pettis responded with a team-leading 129 yards off five receptions plus two touchdowns.
It looks as if the Niners are finally getting solid returns off their investment.
“I think he’s really starting to develop, and he’s showing that on the football field,” Hall of Famer Jerry Rice said of Pettis on 95.7 The Game (h/t 49ers Webzone). He’s having a good time, and he’s being very productive.”
It’s unclear when Goodwin will return from his personal matter. Garçon, whose current contract includes team options in 2019, 2020 and 2021, likely doesn’t fit into the team’s long-term plans. Kyle Shanahan shouldn’t hesitate to shut the veteran down for the season, opting to give Pettis all the reps that would have otherwise gone Garçon’s way.