Winner: Tight End Ross Dwelley
With Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle still sidelined with ankle and knee injuries, the 49ers once again had to rely on Ross Dwelley to provide something of a spark from this crucial position in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Dwelley delivered, and then some.
With the Niners trailing 16-0 halfway through the second half, Jimmy Garoppolo found Dwelley for a 4-yard score to get San Francisco on the board.
Then, on the 49ers’ opening drive of the second half, Garoppolo found Dwelley again for a 5-yard touchdown to give the Niners a one-point lead:
Jimmy Garoppolo hits Ross Dwelley again for the #49ers’ second touchdown of the game. #GoNiners now lead the #AZCardinals 17-16. #49wz pic.twitter.com/eUUDUY3OLr
— Peter Panacy (@PeterPanacy) November 17, 2019
Dwelley had just four receptions for 14 yards. But his two scores made a massive difference for San Francisco’s offense, both within the red zone and overall on the day.
What’s even more impressive is how Dwelley has filled in for injured players this year, including Kittle, and also as a backup fullback for the starter, Kyle Juszczyk, when the latter was out with a knee injury, previously.
And while he won’t receive plenty of accolades for his work, Dwelley is proving to be one of the 49ers’ best unknown assets this season.