SANTA CLARA – Rookie defensive back D.J. Reed figured he might be needed on Sunday when the 49ers played at Kansas City.
He was correct, but he was also wrong.
Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt was not expected to play, so Reed, Antone Exum and Tyvis Powell saw practice time last week in that position. Reed also continued to sharpen his skills at nickel back, where K’Waun Williams is the starter with the team’s nickel defense.
But when free safety Adrian Colbert went down with a hip injury in the first half, Reed went into a spot he was not expecting to play.