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The 49ers’ question marks at wide receiver have only gotten bigger thanks to a pair of offseason injuries and an opt-out. Deebo Samuel suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot that’s expected to sideline him for all of training camp. Richie James Jr. broke his hand and isn’t expected back until later in camp, and Travis Benjamin opted out. In response to those new developments, San Francisco will work out a trio of wide receivers and a quarterback on Friday according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. WRs Tavon Austin, Donte Moncrief and JJ Nelson, along with quarterback Luke Falk, will all participate in the workout.
Austin was a No. 8 overall pick by the Rams in the 2013 NFL draft. He has 215 receptions, 2,006 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in five years with the Rams and two with the Cowboys. He also has 196 carries for 1,340 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Austin has also served as a punt returner in all seven of his NFL seasons.
Moncrief was a third-round selection of the Colts in the 2014 draft. He spent four seasons there before playing in Jacksonville for a season and splitting his 2019 campaign between Carolina and Pittsburgh. Moncrief had an impressive first five years when he averaged 40 catches, 509 yards and four touchdowns per season. Last year he put together a disappointing campaign in which he caught four balls for 18 yards in eight games.
The Cardinals selected Nelson in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. He played four years in Arizona before spending last season in Oakland. Nelson has 1,475 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 85 receptions across 58 games.
Falk’s inclusion in the workout could mean San Francisco is aiming to add another quarterback for training camp, although that’s difficult to imagine given that snaps are already limited and the 49ers have three quarterbacks on the roster. The Titans took Falk in the sixth round in 2018 out of Washington State. He lost both of his starts for the Jets last year and tossed three interceptions with no touchdowns.
While all three receivers are vertical threats with good speed, Austin is probably the most intriguing option for the 49ers because of his ability to return punts. Nelson has four punt returns in his career and Moncrief doesn’t have any. With James sidelined, it stands to reason San Francisco would add a player who can contend for a roster spot as a receiver while also providing special teams value.
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