SANTA CLARA – The 49ers have run out of AFC East visitors to dominate at Levi’s Stadium on this season’s schedule, but we still have social media questions to answer for this Week 5 mailbag:
With the emergence of Jauan Jennings at WR3, what role if any will Pearsall have in the offense? Also, will Pearsall replace Jacob Cowing on punt returns? (@SisnerozJacob)
First on Jennings: A “WR3” label seems outdated. He leads the 49ers in receptions (21), yards (364), touchdowns (three) and average (17.3 yards). Jennings is hot and Brock Purdy must keep targeting him, while also giving Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle targets.
As for integrating first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday they’re still discussing when to open his three-week evaluation window. They can do so now after he’s missed four weeks following his death-defying gunshot wound to the chest in a San Francisco robbery. He looks healthy and physically ready. I’d expect Pearsall to get eased into the receiver rotation, although injuries to Jacob Cowing (shoulder) and Chris Conley (oblique) could expedite things. If Cowing can’t return punts, they indeed might like to give Pearsall a chance, all due respect to Kyle Juszczyk’s sure-handed versatility in Sunday’s win over New England.
Which rookies have impressed you most? (@michael_budd)
Excluding Pearsall as a walking miracle, there might be more rookies than ever to consider on any 49ers championship-contending roster, at least dating to the 1981 champs. It’s much-needed quantity over Pro Bowl quality right now.
Right guard Dominick Puni has been a bona fide, Day 1 starter with highs and lows. Safety Malik Mustapha made his first start Sunday in place of Talanoa Hufanga, and aside from whiffing on a third-down tackle and failing to make a late interception, Mustapha’s contact courage drew raves, including on Fred Warner’s pick-six.
Cornerback Renardo Green is cutting into Isaac Yiadom’s playing time — a positive to keep both fresh. Wide receiver Jacob Cowing got his first four offensive snaps Sunday but still no touches, and now a shoulder injury that impacts his punt-return availability. Defensive tackle Evan Anderson debuted well Sunday, as did safety Jaylon Mahoney. Another to watch: Tatum Bethune. Not so great was Isaac Guerendo, fumbling on the second half’s kickoff return and getting stopped for no gain on his lone carry.
What’s the latest update on Dre Greenlaw? Also, Sam O. and Robert Beal flashed on Sunday, so do you think they are going to be relied on through the season or is a trade or free agent coming? (@AmericanBurner)
Greenlaw hyped up the linebackers in Sunday’s warmups. He is eligible to come off Injured Reserve as soon as this week, but the working theory is he won’t get back in the lineup until after the Week 9 bye, so check back in November or after a couple of weeks of practice.
Sam Okuayinonu’s breakout game Sunday (forced fumble, tackle for loss, QB hit) carried over from a strong showing in practice. Beal and Yetur Gross-Matos have had minimal …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
