With the San Francisco 49ers hopes of a season of playoff contention long since over, we look at players who deserve more chances as they build for 2019.
A softer schedule gives the San Francisco 49ers the chance to stack some wins and put a 1-6 start behind them, but in terms of playoff contention their season has long since been over.
That is why it has been so bewildering to see the 49ers continue to give extended playing time to numerous veterans who will likely not be part of San Francisco’s plans in the coming years as the Niners look to push for the postseason when Jimmy Garoppolo returns from his torn ACL.
Their presence on the field is keeping younger players who could use the experience off it. Here we look at some of the less seasoned members of the 49ers roster who deserve more opportunities in the final nine games.
Kendrick Bourne and Steven Dunbar
Pierre Garcon’s second season with the Niners has been one in which injuries have rendered him largely ineffective. Knee and shoulder issues have seen him ruled out against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8, likely meaning Kendrick Bourne will take his snaps at the Z receiver position.
And the longer the 32-year old Garcon continues to struggle, the stronger the case for either trading him or shutting him down will become, with San Francisco having two young options it could benefit from evaluating in Bourne and Steven Dunbar.
Bourne has displayed great potential as a route runner and has the ability to gain inside leverage and serve as an effective big-bodied red zone target. He boasts the athleticism to make an impact after the catch and, after seeing him come on strong down the stretch last year, there may be more value in finding out if Bourne can do the same again in 2018 rather than sticking with an ageing and ailing Garcon.
As the 49ers look to 2019, rookie undrafted free agent Dunbar is also worthy of a look. At 6-3 and 202 pounds, Dunbar has the prototypical build for an outside receiver and his skills as a ball tracker and in hauling in contested catches were evident in training camp. There is enough to intrigue about Dunbar to warrant a late-season promotion to the 53 if the opportunity arises.