SF 49ers depth chart: Predicting Week 3 starting lineup amid injuries
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Wide Receivers: Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor, Brandon Aiyuk
Tight End: George Kittle
A couple of wrinkles thrown into the equation for San Francisco’s pass-catchers here, partially due to injuries while also influenced by production.
Deebo Samuel is still out and will be until at least Week 4 at the soonest. While this unit underperformed in Week 1, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne benefited from some extra looks in Week 2 and hauled in four catches for 67 yards against the Jets. He’ll likely start again, joined by wide receiver Trent Taylor in the slot.
Week 2 marked the NFL debut of the other SF 49ers first-round NFL Draft pick, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who hauled in two passes for 21 yards. While it’s still early for him, one might expect Kyle Shanahan to reward Aiyuk with some additional snaps, potentially in a starting role.
Recently acquired veteran Mohamed Sanu likely continues early as veteran support, while wideout Dante Pettis appears to have disappeared once more from Shanahan’s play-calling.
At tight end, the hope is George Kittle is able to return from his one-game knee-related injury absence. He seemed close to being able to go before last Sunday, so he’ll likely be back in the lineup if he’s close to healthy.
If not, getting No. 2 tight end Jordan Reed to put up 50 receiving yards and two touchdowns versus the Jets is a likable backup option.