With multiple pass-catchers sidelined, veteran wideout could thrive in short passing game
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are down several key targets heading into Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are all out, and that puts veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne in line for a bigger role.
Oddsmakers have set Bourne’s totals at 39.5 receiving yards with his receptions line sitting closer to 3.5 to 4 catches. That number reflects the expectation that he will be more involved than usual, but with so many absences, the door is open for him to surpass it.
Built for the short game
Bourne’s skill set fits perfectly with what the 49ers need right now. He wins in the short passing game — on slants, outs, crossers and quick hitches that keep the offense on schedule. With timing and crisp route-running, he provides a reliable target who can help the quarterback establish rhythm early and sustain drives.
Shanahan’s offense leans heavily on motion and misdirection to create space. Bourne has the savvy to find soft spots in coverage and turn short completions into chain-moving plays. With defenses expected to key on Christian McCaffrey, those underneath windows become even more valuable.
Receptions outlook
A line of 3.5–4 receptions puts Bourne in a range where volume matters, but it’s not an unreasonable ask. In a game where targets have to be spread among a thin receiving corps, he could see five to seven passes thrown his way. If he continues to excel in the short areas of the field, converting four or more receptions is within reach.
For yardage, the 39.5-yard line can be covered through efficiency rather than explosive plays. A handful of short gains in the 8–12 yard range would be enough to push him over.
Veteran reliability
Bourne’s value isn’t just in his skill set — it’s in his experience. He understands how to adjust to coverage, work back to the quarterback, and provide a steady presence when the offense needs reliability. That’s the type of contribution San Francisco is counting on with so many of its primary pass-catchers unavailable.
He won’t be asked to do everything, but he will be asked to step up and absorb a role larger than what he’s carried to this point in the season.
The takeaway
With Aiyuk, Kittle, Jennings and Pearsall out, Kendrick Bourne has a clear opportunity to play a featured role in the 49ers’ passing game. His prop totals — 39.5 yards and 3.5 to 4 receptions — align with the expectation of increased involvement, but his ability to win in the short passing game gives him a strong chance to deliver beyond those marks.
For San Francisco, it’s not about Bourne replacing the production of multiple starters. It’s about him being dependable in the areas where he’s most effective — quick routes, timely catches, and steady gains that keep the chains moving.
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