San Francisco 49ers Scramble with Injuries, Adjusting Wide Receiver Depth Chart

San Francisco is facing a tough time as they manage a series of injuries among their wide receivers. With three of their eight wide receivers from last season sidelined, the team is looking to recently added veterans to fill the gap. Brandon Aiyuk is currently on the PUP list, while Jacob Cowing and Trent Taylor are on injured reserve. Starting receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle, rib), Ricky Pearsall (knee), and rookie Jordan Watkins (calf) were also inactive last week.

To adjust, the 49ers brought in Demarcus Robinson earlier this offseason, anticipating Aiyuk’s absence. Although Robinson was suspended for the first three weeks, he started to contribute last week. Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling were also added to the roster, after the Seahawks and Patriots released them, respectively. These four receivers became the backbone of the team’s aerial attack this week.

Kendrick Bourne emerged as a key player, utilizing his experience from three years with the New England Patriots. Fixated mostly as an outside receiver, Bourne played well, leading the 49ers in production. Meanwhile, Valdes-Scantling backed up Robinson, and Moore supported Bourne during certain sets. Though Bourne performed admirably, he’s better left on the waiver wire until the injured players return. With hopes that Jennings, Pearsall, and tight end George Kittle will be back next week, the outlook is promising but uncertain. The upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals challenges ahead.

Rams’ Corum Struggles for Playtime

The Los Angeles Rams experienced a shift in their running back dynamic, largely relying on Kyren Williams instead of Blake Corum. While Corum showed potential with a 7.1 yards per carry average, he had limited playing time in the most recent game due to Williams’ impact. Corum’s first drive included a promising 13-yard rush, but a mismanaged pitch from Matthew Stafford led to a critical turnover. Although technically Stafford was charged with the fumble, it cast doubt on Corum’s ball-handling ability.

With the Rams often playing from behind, the coaching staff opted for Williams to maintain pace, limiting Corum’s snaps. Despite showing flashes of talent, Corum struggled with catching as well, which does not help his battle for more playing time. Essentially, his drop may hinder his chances in fantasy, but he remains a viable handcuff should anything happen to Williams.

Ferguson Shows Promise

Meanwhile, rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson made a case for a larger role with a noteworthy 21-yard catch, arguably his best performance so far. Drafted as a second-round pick, Ferguson sits behind veteran Tyler Higbee in the depth chart, and with Higbee sidelined last week due to a hip injury, Ferguson had a chance to shine.

While he’s mostly been a healthy scratch so far, Ferguson’s work last week might open doors for future playing time. Nonetheless, it’s unsafe to consider picking him up for fantasy just yet, but any action next week would be an encouraging sign for his long-term value.

As the season progresses, players’ performances will continue to impact their fantasy value. Keep an eye on each team’s strategies and adjustments as they unfold.