SF 49ers depth chart: 5 players who step up in wake of injuries
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: SF 49ers Tight End Jordan Reed
In a way, No. 2 tight end Jordan Reed has already made a difference for San Francisco’s offense.
With George Kittle out in Week 2 with his knee issue, Reed was asked to step up and fill the void as much as possible.
And he delivered, hauling in seven receptions for 50 yards and two touchdowns en route to the SF 49ers’ 31-13 win over the Jets. Those are the kind of numbers the Niners would hope for from Kittle on a so-so day, and Reed providing them in relief of Kittle showed the former Washington offensive weapon can still be a viable commodity on offense despite his own lengthy injury history.
Kittle looks to be returning to the practice field ahead of Week 3, yet that doesn’t diminish Reed’s importance much at all.
Especially considering how banged up the Niners are at wide receiver still.
As long as Deebo Samuel remains out, Kyle Shanahan’s passing offense will likely heavily feature tight ends and running backs. With opponents likely to double- and triple-team Kittle in the next couple of weeks, Reed could end up being a primary beneficiary, allowing San Francisco’s offense to remain prolific enough in Samuel’s absence.
Continue expecting solid production from Reed for a while.