49ers vs. Falcons: 5 painful takeaways from San Francisco’s Week 6 loss

49ers vs. Falcons takeaway No. 3: Backup defensive backs are struggling

San Francisco lost two of its key defensive backs at various times during the game, safety Talanoa Hufanga early and then cornerback Charvarius Ward late.

Hufanga, who was being evaluated for a head injury, was able to return. But, during his brief absence, reserve safety George Odum surrendered the Falcons’ first touchdown of the game:

Perhaps plays like that indicate why the 49ers didn’t trust Odum to play much on defense after training camp.

Ward, meanwhile, didn’t return to the game. Already down fellow corner Emmanuel Moseley, which mandated Deommodore Lenoir starting on the boundary, rookie Samuel Womack was tasked with nickel duties.

On Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts’ touchdown, Womack appeared to be entirely outclassed:

Granted, neither Odum nor Womack were intended to be on the field for full-time duties, and the outcome could have been different if the Niners had a full crop of defensive backs.

Still, it’s a mark against the depth.