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5 players who were pushed onto the 49ers’ roster bubble during 2019 OTAs

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Richie James #13, Kendrick Bourne #84 and Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers look on during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Richie James #13, Kendrick Bourne #84 and Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers look on during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a four-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a four-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourne

Imagine this: San Francisco’s leading wide receiver from 2018 has now been pushed onto the roster bubble.

Kendrick Bourne led all Niners wideouts last season with 487 yards. While impressive for a former undrafted free agent, the number essentially illustrates why the 49ers made so many moves to upgrade the position during the offseason.

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Bourne was pushed onto the roster bubble primarily due to the impressive OTA performances by Jordan Matthews. During one particular practice, according to The Athletic’s David Lombardi, Bourne appeared to strike back with some eye-popping plays of his own.

At least Bourne is putting up a fight, which is what the coaches will want to see.

Still, it’s likely the Niners keep just one player between Bourne and Matthews this season. Both occupy similar roles and can serve as red-zone options, yet Matthews’ experience working out of the slot gives him a slight edge.

So do the reports Matthews made more of those eye-popping plays during OTAs than his primary competition.

Next. 5 storylines to watch in 49ers training camp. dark

Training camp will be a bigger determining factor, of course, but the pecking order is becoming a bit more clear than it was this time a month ago.