49ers Rookies Benched Amidst Season Struggles
The San Francisco 49ers are navigating a tumultuous season, and the roller coaster ride for their rookie class has taken a sharp downturn. Once seen as promising young talents, Connor Colby and Marques Sigle now find themselves on the sidelines as the team reassesses its strategy.
Rookie Contributions Turn Sour
In a season where the 49ers have leaned heavily on their rookie players, the contributions from late-round picks Colby and Sigle have been a mixed bag. Initially, there was excitement surrounding Sigle, a fifth-round selection from Kansas State. After a strong preseason, expectations soared as he landed a starting role in the first five games. However, defensive struggles quickly emerged, with Sigle allowing the most yards in coverage among all safeties. His performance led to a significant reduction in playing time.
Following the return of Malik Mustapha in Week 6, the 49ers opted to shift their defensive lineup. Sigle found himself sharing snaps in a platoon arrangement, but as Mustapha reclaimed his role, Sigle was relegated to the sidelines. With Ji’Ayir Brown stepping into the starting safety position and Jason Pinnock taking over the nickel spot, Sigle fell to fourth on the depth chart. This lack of involvement on defense, paired with minimal opportunities on special teams, culminated in his status as a healthy inactive in Week 9—a stark contrast to the hopes held for him just months prior.
Colby’s Struggles in the Spotlight
Connor Colby, the 49ers’ seventh-round pick, similarly faced challenges in his six-game starting stint. Initially brought in due to Ben Bartch’s injury, Colby’s performance in pass protection was subpar, overshadowing his potential as a run blocker. The coaching staff’s concerns became evident as they contemplated pulling him from the starting lineup in favor of Nick Zakelj. Ultimately, Zakelj took over, and with Spencer Burford returning from injury, it was clear that Colby’s time on the field had diminished significantly.
The decision to bench both rookies raises questions about their future with the team. While their early playing time provided valuable experience, the coaching staff now faces the dilemma of whether to trust them in starting roles again. With the 49ers currently at 6-3, the hope is that these young players can still carve out a niche, but the pressure is mounting.
A Season of Learning and Growth
Despite the setbacks, the 49ers’ journey with Colby and Sigle is not without merit. The combination of their eleven starts this season is a rarity for late-round picks, often indicative of teams with less success. However, the 49ers’ record and the experience gained by these rookies suggest that the team is still committed to their development.
While Sigle may find a path back into a rotational role, the future remains uncertain for both players. The coaching staff’s decisions moving forward will be pivotal in determining whether Colby and Sigle can regain their footing in a competitive league, or if this moment marks a significant turning point in their early careers.
