SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers' wide receiver group was ultimately quiet facing the Rams on Sunday. Coach Kyle Shanahan hopes that will change as they look forward to this week's matchup against the Cardinals.
The 49ers have been plagued by injuries at several positions. One of them, in particular, is at receiver. Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor, Pierre Garcon and Dante Pettis all have spent time unable to participate in practice and/or games.
Shanahan said that was one of the challenges that has resulted in a lack of production from the group.
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“I think it has been tough because I feel like we’ve had a little bit of a different lineup every single game,” Shanahan said. “We haven’t had much consistency with who’s out there. We’ve had to mix and match a number of guys at different positions.”
Similar to last season, the injuries have forced younger players to learn more than just one role on the offense. Last season, the challenge was on Taylor and Kendrick Bourne. In 2018, Richie James Jr. is one of those players.
“We’re also doing that to some younger guys, which isn’t totally fair to them,” Shanahan said. “I’m asking them to do a little bit more than they’re ready for. We went through that last year, too. There were some up and downs with it.
“We stuck with it, and I thought our guys got a lot better through the year for that and finished pretty strong. I’d like to be in a different situation this year, but it is very similar to what we went through. Our guys have been up and down.”
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Shanahan, however, remains positive about the personnel in the group.
“Yeah, I see a lot of potential,” the coach said. “I think all of our guys are NFL players and can all be used differently. But, when I say NFL players, I mean they’re guys who I think are capable of playing on any team. I don’t know how high the ceiling is and where they can go. That’s up to them, and it’s up to us helping them.”
The good news as the 49ers approach the Cardinals game is that Pettis looks to make his return. He sat out for three games after he injured his knee facing the Chargers in Week 3.
The bad news is that Garçon already is reported as doubtful for the game.
“Our guys have been battling injuries,” Shanahan said. “I know Pierre is starting to take a step back with his injuries. We’ll see how that goes this week, but I’m excited to get Dante back out there. Hopefully he has a healthy week of practice, and we can ease him and get him going throughout the rest of the year.”
Shanahan believes consistency is what the offense, including the receiver group, needs to increase their productivity.
“All of those guys are battling a little bit of stuff,” Shanahan said. “And the healthier they get, the more we can keep the same three guys out there a little bit more consistently, I think the better we’ll all get.”