San Francisco 49ers: 5 Burning questions for the stretch run

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Nick Mullens #4 after a 24-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Richie James #13 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

What happens in the slot?

Trent Taylor’ continuing back issues provided an opportunity for Richie James in the slot last week and it was one the seventh-round rookie grasped as he made a huge 53-yard catch and run late in the first half that led to a Niners field goal.

James could have had a touchdown on the same drive had he not dropped a pass in the red zone on the same drive, but his display still raises the question of what will happen in the slot going forward. Taylor was an ultra-dependable option for the Niners last season but has clearly been below 100 percent this year and does not have the same speed as James.

Second-round pick Dante Pettis, who has only has one target over the last two weeks since returning from a knee injury, is also a candidate for snaps inside with Marquise Goodwin, Pierre Garcon and Kendrick Bourne taking most of the snaps on the outside.

The 49ers have multiple options for what is now one of the most important positions in football. If one of James, Taylor or even Pettis can make the spot their own in the final eight games they could become an integral part of the offense for 2019.