As injuries pile up during an NFL season, the “next man up” philosophy is referenced frequently.
With the San Francisco 49ers top three cornerbacks out against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 – Tramaine Brock (shin), Kenneth Acker (concussion) and Keith Reaser (ankle) – Marcus Cromartie was that next man up.
Cromartie, who was called up from the team’s practice squad the day before the game, started against the Falcons across from fellow corner Dontae Johnson. The third-year cornerback played 59 of the team’s 64 defensive snaps and led the team with seven solo tackles.