The 49ers got a few encouraging signs at Thursday’s practice, but the clearest defensive boost came from a familiar face shedding the non-contact jersey.
Cornerback Upton Stout’s return to full participation is a strong development for San Francisco as it comes out of the bye week, according to the Bay Area News Group’s Cam Inman. Stout had been dealing with a shoulder issue that bothered him in the 49ers’ final two games before the break. He left most of the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders and then missed the Atlanta Falcons game entirely.
San Francisco felt that absence. When Stout was out, the 49ers had to patch together the nickel spot, and neither answer held up.
In Week 6, veteran safety Ashtyn Davis was asked to fill in there, and Washington went after him repeatedly. Per Pro Football Focus, Davis allowed three catches for 35 yards on three targets.
A week later, the 49ers tried a different look, moving Deommodore Lenoir inside and putting veteran Jack Jones on the outside. That setup didn’t last long.
Atlanta moved the ball freely, with Jones giving up four catches for 39 yards on five targets while also drawing two penalties. The 49ers eventually turned to rookie Ephesians Prysock in Jones’ place, and Jones was released during the bye.
Stout now looks set to reclaim his usual nickel role, with Lenoir sliding back outside. That Lenoir-Stout-Renardo Green combination has already delivered plenty of success this season, and San Francisco doesn’t appear deep enough at corner to absorb a hit to any of those three.
His return should give the pass defense a real lift, and it comes at a good time with the Las Vegas Raiders coming to Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. The source article also notes Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is in the middle of one of his most prolific seasons as a pro.
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