SANTA CLARA – On Aug. 28, the 49ers acquired slot receiver Jeremy Kerley out of desperation to fill the role the team had envisioned for Bruce Ellington.
The team had just learned Ellington would require season-ending surgery to repair a torn hamstring. The 49ers struck a deal with the Detroit Lions, sending in return guard Brandon Thomas, who had never stepped onto the field for a regular season game since the 49ers selected him in the third round of the 2014 draft.
On Monday night, Kerley was targeted 11 times and had team-leading totals of seven receptions for 61 yards, including a diving 18-yard reception on a fourth-down play in the second quarter that led to the 49ers’ second touchdown.