5 notable takeaways from 49ers first depth chart vs. Cowboys
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Kendrick Bourne Is Winning the Battle with Jordan Matthews
While NFL preseason games aren’t anything close to a realistic showdown with high stakes, there are high-stakes matchups to be had.
One example is for wide receiver depth, including the camp battle between third-year pro Kendrick Bourne and the veteran, Jordan Matthews.
Matthews was a notable star during organized team activities (OTAs), yet his play during training camp hasn’t been quite as dominant. Meanwhile, Bourne has been a solid contributor during camp and has worked his way into a primary-backup preseason role behind second-year pro Dante Pettis and the speedster, Marquise Goodwin.
As is the case with C.J. Beathard, Kyle Shanahan will want to see how Bourne performs against better competition this early in the preseason.
Should Bourne make a good case for himself, it will put a good deal of space between him and Matthews, who is listed as the No. 3 outside wideout. Matthews, No. 4 on the depth chart, might not be able to make up the ground if he struggles against lesser competition later in the game.