San Francisco 49ers face roster challenges as key players struggle
The San Francisco 49ers are adjusting their roster as the playoffs approach, marking a shift in their strategy that could significantly impact the team’s performance. As the regular season progresses, certain players who once played pivotal roles are finding themselves sidelined, affecting the team’s depth and dynamic.
Kendrick Bourne’s decline in usage
Once a reliable target for the 49ers, Kendrick Bourne has seen his role diminish in recent weeks. After being a focal point in the offense during Weeks 5 and 6, Bourne’s contributions have drastically decreased. In Week 11, he logged just 23.6% of the offensive snaps—his lowest percentage since Week 3—and notably did not receive a single target during the game.
The return of teammates Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall has further complicated Bourne’s standing. Despite Jennings and Pearsall’s injuries earlier in the season, their return to health has relegated Bourne to the fringes of the offensive rotation. Even Demarcus Robinson, who has struggled to make an impact, is finding more opportunities than Bourne, indicating that the latter may only see sporadic playing time moving forward.
Spencer Burford’s uncertain future
Spencer Burford’s transition from the injured reserve back to the starting lineup has proven to be short-lived. After starting strong with a full workload in Week 9, Burford’s snap count has noticeably declined over the past two weeks as he began to share snaps with Ben Bartch. In fact, Bartch’s performance has improved, leading to an increase in his playing time, while Burford’s role has been diminished.
With the team looking to maximize their offensive potential, it seems likely they will turn to Bartch for full-time duties in the coming weeks, which could leave Burford on the sidelines—an unfortunate fate for a player who had just returned from injury.
Jason Pinnock’s struggles lead to a potential benching
After being benched following Week 5, Jason Pinnock has managed to see some action, playing 80 snaps in the 49ers’ dime defense. However, his performance has raised concerns. In a recent matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Pinnock allowed five receptions, including a touchdown, which raises questions about his effectiveness in the secondary.
Given these struggles, the 49ers may find it prudent to explore other options. Marques Sigle, who has been inactive for several weeks, possesses a skill set that could better serve the team in Pinnock’s role. With Sigle having started five games earlier in the season, it may be time for the 49ers to reintegrate him into the lineup, providing a fresh perspective in a struggling defense.
As the 49ers navigate these roster changes, they are faced with critical decisions that could shape their playoff trajectory. Adjustments are necessary, and how they manage these sidelined players will be pivotal in their quest for postseason success.
