San Francisco 49ers list Quinton Patton questionable
San Francisco 49ers receiver Quinton Patton (11) runs past San Diego Chargers defensive back Marcus Cromartie (35) for a touchdown during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Quinton Patton finally started practicing this week after not playing or practicing since fracturing his right foot in Week 4 against the St. Louis Rams. Patton caught the first and only pass of his NFL career in that game, and it is possible that he returns to face the Rams after suffering that foot injury against them.
According to the Sacramento Bee’s Matt Barrows, the 49ers are officially listing Patton as questionable for tomorrow’s game, but it is unlikely that he plays despite the potential for his return to come this week. Patton is only the No. 4 wide receiver in the 49ers passing attack, and he is barely going to receive any targets, especially with No. 1 receiver Michael Crabtree back in the fold. Barrows believes that Patton will play in next week’s huge rivalry game against the Seattle Seahawks, but he won’t play in this week’s NFC West matchup against the Rams.
That’s been the expectation, so it would honestly be a bit of a surprise for the 49ers to play their No. 4 wideout. While it’s possible that the Louisiana Tech rookie makes his return tomorrow, he’s a week off from returning. The 49ers are in no rush to bring him back, especially since he’s a rookie and a depth wideout on a run-heavy team. Patton has talent and should be able to chip in nicely down the stretch, but the 49ers like playing things cautious with injuries (they definitely can afford to, as they have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL).