San Francisco 49ers: Marquise Goodwin, players to watch vs. Rams in Week 7

D.J. Reed

Reed has already started one game at free safety this season but could be required at slot cornerback with K’Waun Williams listed as questionable. The fifth-round pick’s versatility was a key factor in the 49ers deciding to add him to their secondary, and Reed was excellent covering from the slot when called upon late in the loss to the Packers.

Los Angeles is without Cooper Kupp, already one of the premier slot receivers in the game, this week, but look for both Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods to receive playing time on the inside in his stead.

The 49ers will hope Reed’s strong fourth quarter in Green Bay was a sign of things to come. Given the quality of opposition he will face should Williams miss out, it will be imperative for him to produce the same kind of form over four quarters.

Ahkello Witherspoon

Witherspoon has been in the concussion protocol this week after watching from the sideline at Lambeau. However, though he is listed as questionable, he appears poised to start at the carousel at the cornerback spot across from Richard Sherman goes on.

Jimmie Ward looked to have made that spot his own with a strong performance guarding Davante Adams, but a hamstring injury that proved key as late-game replacement Greg Mabin’s struggles allowed Green Bay to complete their dramatic comeback has led to the former first-round pick being listed as doubtful.

That opens the door for Witherspoon, who was expected to make the leap after a promising rookie campaign but has instead suffered a sophomore slump.

The Rams are hardly the team Witherspoon would have chosen to press his case against but, if he can rise to such a challenge, the former third-round pick could make the job his own once more and give the 49ers greater confidence about their corner depth following Ward’s impressive Week 6.