The San Francisco 49ers have shuffled the cards at wide receiver with Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall sidelined for separate reasons. Both wideouts were expected not just to start but be significant contributors this season.
While that’s still in the plans, the lack of practice reps for both players has forced the 49ers to dip their toes into the free-agent pool. Frank Darby was a camp body, but he’s been released. Trent Taylor was brought back—primarily to be a returner—but left a lot to be desired during the preseason opener on special teams and as a wideout.