San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson isn't exactly Brock Purdy's primary option out wide, but he serves a key purpose that the offense has sorely missed for over a month. The veteran has served as the team's deep-ball threat, and he proved as much in Week 1 when he caught a 39-yard bomb in the second quarter.
The Niners have been lacking such a weapon recently. It's a large reason why they went from scoring 30.5 points in their first four games to scoring 24.8 points in the next four. But thankfully, the field stretcher should be back in Week 9 against the Raiders. Even if he doesn't light up the box score, 49ers fans could still see the best version of Brock Purdy thanks to his presence.
Over the team's past few games, Brock Purdy has dealt with the same obstacle time and time again. He has had his best weapons for the most part, but he has constantly had to throw into tight windows with nobody to take the top off the defense.
Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling was thought to step into that role, but he went down in Week 1. Robinson's role became even more prominent after that, but he went down with his own injury the very next week against the Dolphins.
Demarcus Robinson provides big-play ability other 49ers' pass catcher can't replicate
With Robinson back, expect to see Brock Purdy enjoy more space to work the field. The Niners have sorely missed his speed, as veterans like Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel don't possess the same motor and are better at working underneath defensive backs.
Unfortunately, Purdy will most likely be without the two aforementioned vets for Week 9, but Robinson may clear the way for other short-to-intermediate options like George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey.
Other high-powered offenses put similar value on speedster wide receivers, even if they don't lead the team in any major offensive category. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for example, rely heavily on Brian Thomas Jr. running go routes to keep opposing secondaries honest. While it may infuriate fantasy owners, there is a reason the Jags refuse to trade him, even though he is an afterthought in the eyes of Trevor Lawrence.
Robinson performs a similar role that is essential to the functionality of the 49ers' passing attack. While it may not be flashy, there is something to be said about having a player who can find the paydirt on any given play. Brock Purdy is likely thankful to have such a homerun threat back in action as his Niners squad gets ready to host the middling Las Vegas Raiders.
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