SF 49ers: 5 players who must step up over final six games
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers Tight End Jordan Reed
Considering he’s already missed five games with knee and ankle injuries, veteran tight end Jordan Reed has pretty much given everything he possibly could to Kyle Shanahan and the SF 49ers offense.
While the numbers aren’t overly impressive — 17 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns — Reed’s importance to the offense going forward is going to be vital for any Niners’ playoff push.
Particularly because Reed has some major holes to fill.
San Francisco is going to be without first-team All-Pro tight end George Kittle for possibly the rest of the regular season because of his foot injury, meaning Reed essentially becomes the de facto No. 1 option at the position. Reed hasn’t quite generated the rapport needed with quarterback Nick Mullens. But the two will have to find some sort of chemistry over the final six games to ensure this part of the SF 49ers offense remains a threat.
It’s not a terrible option to have. Reed still has a playmaking pedigree and is the most experienced receiving option Shanahan has on his roster.
If there was ever a time for Reed to showcase his worth to San Francisco, these final five games would be it.
Especially with Kittle out of the lineup.