The San Francisco 49ers will be down a number of would-be starters in Week 14 as they prepare to host the 6-6 Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium Sunday.
Running back Matt Breida (ankle), wide receiver Pierre Garçon (knee) and safety Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder), who were all ruled out for the game, open up additional looks for a number of other key players during the game. With Breida unavailable, the Niners ground game shifts focus to undrafted rookie Jeff Wilson, who'll likely get the start versus Denver. Wilson rushed for 61 yards and also hauled in 73 yards on eight catches during San Francisco's 43-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week. He's looking to carve out a role for himself on the 2019 roster, potentially as a short-yardage back behind Breida and also-injured running back Jerick McKinnon.
Meanwhile, Garçon will miss his fourth game in a row. That, however, opens up the opportunity for wide receivers Marquise Goodwin and Dante Pettis to share the field in prominent roles. Goodwin, who missed the last two games on a personal leave of absence, will be available Week 14.
Tartt being out all but indicates the Niners will start safeties Antone Exum and the rookie, Marcell Harris, in the defensive back field. Harris will look to improve upon a Week 13 effort in which he had three missed tackles versus Seattle. With K'Waun Williams out, rookie defensive back D.J. Reed likely assumes nickel cornerback duties.
The 49ers and Broncos kick off on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
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