The San Francisco 49ers have had to piece things together at wide receiver for the first few games of the season. With Demarcus Robinson set to return from a three-game suspension, it could mean less playing time for fan favorite Kendrick Bourne.
The Niners have had injuries all over the roster, but they have been hit especially hard at wide receiver. They have been without Brandon Aiyuk since he tore his ACL last season, Jacob Cowing has been banged up, and Jauan Jennings was forced to miss Week 3 as he dealt with multiple ailments.
That is why the 49ers went out and signed Kendrick Bourne, a former Niner who has endeared himself to fans over the years with his fun personality and energy. He made perfect sense as a guy who has some familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense while also playing with backup quarterback Mac Jones (who has had to fill in for the injured Brock Purdy the last two weeks) in New England with the Patriots.
Bourne has done pretty well as he has seven receptions for 70 yards on nine targets. It's clear Jones trusts him and that Bourne still has the juice, even though he had a bit of a down year with the Pats in 2024.
The 2017 undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington had to start in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals and he could potentially start again in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, depending on Jennings' status.
However, with Robinson coming back after serving his suspension, that could mean Bourne will see his playing time go down this week. Potentially beyond, too.
Robinson started all 17 games with the Los Angeles Rams last season and had 31 receptions for 505 yards and seven touchdown catches. The Niners brought him in thinking he could be a key part of the offense, so they are certainly going to try to work him in this week.
Bourne will still be part of the mix, but Robinson may be favored more especially if Purdy returns from his toe injury. Bourne may have familiarity with Jones, but Purdy and Robinson were able to establish a chemistry in training camp and OTAs, so Robinson may be favored for that reason as well.
We will see how Bourne ends up being used, but the return of Robinson definitely seems like it is going to limit the well-liked receiver's playing time.