49ers: 5 players who needed 2020 preseason to make 53-man roster
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers wide receiver Travis Benjamin
The Niners brought aboard veteran wide receiver Travis Benjamin aboard on a one-year deal to bolster what was, and still is, a questionable receiving room entering 2020.
Benjamin’s roster chances are increased thanks to injuries to fellow wideouts Deebo Samuel (foot) and Richie James (wrist). But those are somewhat offset by healthy returns of slot receiver Trent Taylor and the 6-foot-4 Jalen Hurd, not to mention the rookie selections of Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings.
It would have been one thing if San Francisco was thin at the position, at least in terms of bodies. But the 49ers have plenty of players vying for spots.
And there isn’t likely to be room for a 30-year-old Benjamin coming off an injury-plagued 2019 campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers. His once-blazing speed is something to note. But not having a chance to hone his mastery of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s complex offense will hurt.
Particularly during those in-game situations, meaning Benjamin could easily be cast off sooner than later.