49ers' White moves into vital roles on offense, return game

Share

The group of 49ers receivers who lined up in the slot and also worked on punt returns is down to one player.

DeAndrew White, a second-year player who caught two passes for 18 yards after earning a roster spot as an undrafted rookie from Alabama, now appears to be virtually guaranteed a position on the 49ers’ 53-man roster.

“I will be ready,” White said after the 49ers’ exhibition game Friday night against the Green Bay Packers. “If they call my number, I’ll be ready any time.”

Bruce Ellington, the team’s top slot receiver and return man, sustained a hamstring injury while making a shoestring catch on a punt on a 4-yard return on Friday in the first half. Clearly dejected after sustaining the injury, Ellington spent the remainder of the first half sitting on the bench with a towel over his head.

Although coach Chip Kelly said he had not been notified of the results of an MRI examination, it appears unlikely Ellington will be 100 percent for the season opener on Sept. 12 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Undrafted rookie Bryce Treggs of Cal sustained damage to his MCL a week earlier against the Denver Broncos. The knee injury is expected to keep him sidelined for one to two months, a source said.

White said he is ready for whatever the 49ers need from him. He said transitioning to play in the slot has not been a big deal.

San Francisco 49ers

Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Warner, Kittle subtly recruit Garrett to 49ers after trade request

Source: Bradley hired by 49ers as defensive assistant under Saleh

“I’ve been receiver all my life,” he said. “It’s just another receiver position.”

But the duty of returning punts is altogether different. White returned two punts as a freshman in college. He has already fielded six punts in the exhibition season. He has two fair catches and averaged 3.0 yards on four returns.

“I’m a lot more comfortable,” said White, who could also be in line to handle kickoffs in Ellington's absence. “It’s pretty fun. I didn’t do much punt return in college, but I feel like I have it under control. It feels pretty good. I’m getting more confident with it.”

Contact Us