3 sneaky important 49ers storylines to watch at OTAs

49ers sneaky storyline No. 1: Who steps up with Deebo Samuel out?

Deebo Samuel missing OTAs isn’t the worst thing in the world. And, in case you were wondering, he won’t be fined for not attending either.

If there is a bonus to all this, it’s the fact other receivers much further down the depth chart will now have a greater shot to see more action during practices. While this probably won’t matter much for all-but-guaranteed-to-be-on-the-roster players like Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, it will assist others like veterans Malik Turner, Ray-Ray McCloud, Marcus Johnson and KeeSean Johnson, and it’ll also open up the door for some of the rookies, too, such as Danny Gray, Tay Martin and Taysir Mack.

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Gray, who did impress during rookie minicamp, figures to get an uptick in looks, while Martin and Mack both may make their respective cases for being develop-and-stash players on the practice squad with solid performances.

Each would have had his chance to do so if Samuel was in attendance. With him gone, though, his reps on the field are going to have to be spread out somewhere.

Whoever winds up separating himself from the remainder of the pack should be in much better shape to hang around on the higher portions of the roster bubble heading towards training camp.