49ers roster: 4 young players San Francisco should play more vs. Colts
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir
He’s had his ups and downs this season after impressing a lot during both training camp and the preseason. But rookie fifth-round cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has flashed enough signs to suggest he could be a quality starter.
As long as he continues to develop.
Despite numerous injuries at the position, San Francisco has nevertheless preferred to go with older cornerbacks to supplement losses to incumbent corners like Jason Verrett (ACL), Emmanuel Moseley (knee) and K’Waun Williams (calf) this season, leading to signings of veterans like Josh Norman, Dre Kirkpatrick and the no-longer-on-the-roster Buster Skrine.
Why not more of Lenoir?
To date, Lenoir started only the first two games of 2021 and didn’t see any defensive snaps at all over the 49ers’ last two games before the bye week. Considering Norman has also had his share of challenges this season despite getting those starts as of late, it’s arguably better for the 49ers to focus more on player development instead of relying on a veteran who, in all likelihood, won’t be with the team in 2022.
A rainy game likely means fewer passing efforts, thereby lessening the pressure on Lenoir, who nevertheless should be seeing more field time anyway.