The battles have started to intensify as the San Francisco 49ers head toward the end of training camp, but one of the more unstable situations has unfolded in the wide receiver room.
The 49ers were dealing with some changes when Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders this spring and Brandon Aiyuk continued his recovery from a multiligament knee injury. But the expected suspension for Demarcus Robinson and injuries to Jauan Jennings and Jordan Watkins have left general manager John Lynch scrambling for pass catchers this summer.
But even with the opportunity in front of him, it may not be enough for a new receiver to make his way onto the roster and play in a real game this fall.
WR Junior Bergen’s Days with 49ers Are Numbered
The 49ers thought they were getting a playmaker when they selected Junior Bergen in the seventh round of April’s draft. Bergen was an electric receiver at Montana, grabbing 145 receptions for 1,777 yards and 13 touchdowns over 51 career games but the biggest benefit could have been in the return game.
The 49ers were average at returning punts last season, tying for 20th with 9.2 yards per return. San Francisco also ranked 23rd with 28.5 yards per kick return and that could become more important thanks to touchbacks being moved to the 35-yard line this year. To fix the problem, the 49ers looked at Bergen, who tied the Football Championship Subdivision with eight punt returns for touchdowns and averaged 16.7 yards per punt return.
Bergen showed that ability with a 28-yard punt return and mixed in a pair of kick returns for 40 yards against the Denver Broncos. But that might not be enough as Jacob Cowing returns from a hamstring injury. Cowing already had a year in Kyle Shanahan’s system and showed up to camp in excellent shape before getting hurt in the first practice, which may be why The Athletic’s Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur had left Bergen off their latest 53-man roster projection.
Maybe a few big returns in the final two preseason games could help Bergen get on the right side of the bubble. But with so many names on the mend, Bergen’s time in San Francisco could be shorter than expected.