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SF 49ers vs. NY Giants: 5 players who shine in Week 3

By Timmy Gibson

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 20: Jerick McKinnon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 20, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 20: Jerick McKinnon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 20, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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No. 3: SF 49ers Tight End Jordan Reed

Last week, with star tight end George Kittle out with a knee injury, Jordan Reed demonstrated why the 49ers signed him in free agency this offseason. Reed caught seven out of his eight targets, for a total of 50 receiving yards, and found the end zone twice in Week 2.

Reed stepped up in Kittle’s absence. Kittle is possible to miss Week 3 as well. Given last week’s issues with the turf at MetLife Stadium, the SF 49ers should not let Kittle anywhere near that field as he recovers from a knee injury, even if he is considered healthy.

One reason the Niners should feel safe letting Kittle rest is Reed’s performance last week. Reed looked fully capable of being the 49ers’ lead tight end. While Kittle is obviously on another level, there is no reason Reed can’t be the Niners’ lead tight end again against a bad Giants team.

So, with Reed likely to be San Francisco’s lead tight end, expect him to shine as he did last week.

Even if Kittle does take the field, Reed will shine. The 49ers brought Reed in to feature him in the passing game, and that does not go away with Kittle on the field. Especially considering that there is no way Kittle will be given his usual workload if he does take the field, Reed is in place to shine this weekend against the Giants regardless of Kittle’s status.