LA Rams vs. SF 49ers: 5 players to watch most on Sunday night

No. 5: SF 49ers CB Emmanuel Moseley

The situation at cornerback for the SF 49ers has been one of the direst for the team so far in 2020, with starter Richard Sherman missing all but the season opener with a calf injury, Ahkello Witherspoon being in and out of the lineup with a hamstring, and Emmanuel Moseley having been out the last two games with a concussion.

On top of that, the depth has been tested, as Dontae Johnson was out last Sunday with a groin injury, and reserve corner Ken Webster didn’t feature on defense because of his own hamstring ailment.

It’s strange to think, but Jason Verrett has actually been the healthiest and most consistent member of this unit so far, having now started the last three contests after missing the first two weeks.

So if Verrett can be counted upon to hold down one spot in the lineup, then Moseley’s return to the lineup, given the performance of Brian Allen against the Dolphins, will be a key one to watch.

Moseley has been solid if unspectacular opposite Sherman over the last two seasons, finally locking down the starting role, after finding himself in and out of the lineup earlier in 2019, during the divisional playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

And given the cadre of wide receiver talent the Rams will be bringing with them to Santa Clara, it will be necessary for Moseley to not only play but to excel in his role. This will help a hobbled SF 49ers’ pass rush not be depended on so much and allow the defense to jell a little better.

If not, the Rams may be able to the 49ers ragged, leading to another blowout at Levi’s that doesn’t go in the Niners’ favor.