3 realistic options 49ers have to replace Ahkello Witherspoon
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon suffered a sprained foot, and the San Francisco 49ers will be without him for at least a month. Here’s how the Niners replace him in the meantime.
The San Francisco 49ers can feel pretty good about starting their 2019 campaign with a 3-0 record, especially opening their home slate of games with a 24-20 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
While the Niners defense stole the show at Levi’s Stadium, it wasn’t without loss. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who had been playing lights-out defense early this season, was carted off the field later in the game with a foot injury.
During his postgame presser, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the team would know more on Monday. Witherspoon also said he didn’t think the injury was too serious.
Turns out, it was pretty serious.
Speaking again to the media on Monday, Shanahan informed the press Witherspoon suffered a right foot sprain, and the injury is expected to keep the third-year pro out of action for at least a month.
It’s a bonus, now, the 49ers have their bye in Week 4, which will allow players like Witherspoon and veteran left tackle Joe Staley (leg) another week to rest without the team going through any game action.
Still, Shanahan and the Niners defensive staff will have to figure out ways to replace Witherspoon in the meantime.
Sure, there’s always the idea of bringing in another player. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Jalen Ramsey is a hot target. But NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported Ramsey would command too much in a trade package for the 49ers to consider.
Instead of that route, what are some on-roster team options for San Francisco? Here are three.