Upton Stout’s Ankle Injury Impacts 49ers Ahead of Showdown with Falcons
The San Francisco 49ers will be without one of their promising rookies as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. Cornerback Upton Stout has been officially ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during the final moments of Thursday’s practice. The specifics of the injury remain unclear, as the latter portions of practice are closed to media access.
Stout’s Contributions and Challenges
In his first six games with the 49ers, Stout has made his presence felt on the field. He has participated in 60 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, accumulating 25 tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and one quarterback hit. His versatility has allowed him to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
However, Stout’s performance has not been without its challenges. He has struggled in coverage, allowing 20 completions on 27 targets for a total of 196 yards, alongside four penalties. Standing at 5’8″, Stout would face a significant height disadvantage against the Falcons’ star receiver, Drake London, who towers at 6’4″. Given that London frequently lines up in the slot, it’s likely the Falcons would have tested Stout had he been available.
Chase Lucas Steps Up
With Stout sidelined, the 49ers are expected to turn to nickelback Chase Lucas. Lucas, who impressed during the preseason, stands at 6’0″, making him a more favorable matchup against London. Should Lucas perform well, he might earn extended playing time until Stout is fully recovered. The 49ers will need every advantage they can muster, especially as they aim for a victory against the Falcons, who are led by the inexperienced quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Alternative Strategies in the Secondary
If Lucas encounters difficulties against London, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has options. He could shift Deommodore Lenoir or Renardo Green into the slot to shadow London. Lenoir has experience playing nickelback and has excelled in that role, while Green demonstrated his capabilities during training camp last season.
So far this year, Green has been the standout corner for the 49ers, allowing a passer rating of just 65.8 and registering three pass breakups. The Falcons may choose to avoid him, which makes the idea of having Green follow London an appealing strategy. This approach would force Atlanta to confront Green directly, potentially neutralizing their best receiving option.
Game Time Ahead
As the anticipation builds, the 49ers and Falcons are set to kick off at 5:20 PM Pacific Time. The outcome of this game could hinge on how well the 49ers adapt to the absence of Stout and leverage their defensive resources against a challenging opponent.
