SF 49ers: 3 backups who should see more snaps over rest of 2020

Which backups on the SF 49ers should see more snaps over the remainder of 2020?

The 2020 NFL season has not been kind at all to the SF 49ers. Week after week, there are more players being added to the injury report. Key players missing substantial time and players getting sent to the IR list are becoming commonplace for the team.

Although injuries are not rare in the NFL, the rate at which it is happening to the Niners seems quite unprecedented. It’s happening all across the board, no position group seems to have been unfazed by this injury bug.

The NFL, however, is a “next man up” league. Some Hall of Famers got their first chance to shine due to a starter suffering an injury. See former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s career for reference.

So while the injuries are devastating the roster and point to the reason why the team currently has a record of 4-6, they also open the door for certain individuals further down on the depth chart. Practice squad players get thrust into key roles and have a chance to let their skills shine through.

Running back and defensive back seem to be the position groups that have been hit the hardest, though. Running back Raheem Mostert gashed the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game back in January, which seems like a lifetime ago, for 220 yards rushing and four touchdowns. This season, however, he was held out of the rematch between the two teams due to injury. Players much lower on the depth chart led the backfield.

Unfortunately in this situation, they didn’t live up to Mostert’s previous performance against the Packers and subsequently against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10.

With all of the injuries plaguing the team, though, which backups should see extended playing time?

Let’s take a look at some individuals who should see more snaps down the stretch.