An upset loss in Week 2 to the Minnesota Vikings wasn’t expected for the San Francisco 49ers. They must now flip the page and use that loss to get themselves refocused heading into Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams. However, there are key injuries on the 49ers that are going to change a bit how they play against the Rams. The 49ers could also use a spark for this upcoming matchup. That spark must come from two 49ers rookies that can help defeat the Rams in Week 3.
Two 49ers Rookies That Can Help Defeat the Rams
Wide Receiver Jacob Cowing
Deebo Samuel will be inactive for the 49ers against the Rams as he nurses a calf strain. Having such an impactful player like Samuel out will sting the 49ers. Replicating what he does is impossible, but it doesn’t mean the offense has to suffer. Rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing can step in and shrink the hole left by him. Cowing has demonstrated that he can be utilized in jet sweeps as Samuel. But Cowing can also give the 49ers something that Samuel can’t and it’s by being a vertical threat.
Cowing is a fast receiver and a shifty route runner. The 49ers can dial up double moves for him and let him work down the field for Brock Purdy to target. He can take the top off the defense even if he isn’t the primary target. All Purdy has to do is throw to him once and it will force the defense to consider him for the rest of the game. The Rams have a fairly putrid secondary, so this is the perfect game for Cowing.
A receiver with Cowing’s style is exactly the type the 49ers could use. They haven’t mustered much of anything in the passing game. But perhaps implementing Cowing into the offense will provide it. Purdy has been holding onto the ball for too long as he searches for a receiver to get open. Samuel isn’t a great route runner at all. He’s downright average at best. That is the one upgrade Cowing provides. Utilizing him now will be pivotal for the 49ers with Samuel out for at least the next two games.
Safety Malik Mustapha
The other 49ers rookie who can provide aid against the Rams is safety Malik Mustapha. There was a lot to like about Mustapha from his performances in the preseason. It’s likely why the 49ers integrated him in Week 2 against the Vikings. Mustapha tallied 31 defensive snaps for the 49ers in that game and gave them encouraging signs. He is a player that they should feel comfortable running out against the Rams.
“It was nice to mix Malik in last week. I thought he did well with his reps,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “So possibly with the scheme, whatever that is this week, we can keep building off that.”
At the very least, he is a better player for them at safety than George Odum. Talanoa Hufanga, who could debut against the Rams, has been out as he works his way back from a torn ACL. Odum has been starting in his place and hasn’t inspired any confidence. The 97-yard touchdown pass allowed to Justin Jefferson in Week 2 was largely his fault. The 49ers are better off letting Mustapha get some work in so that he can develop.
