The San Francisco 49ers have made a habit this season of finding answers in unexpected places. And in last week’s Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles, that answer was Demarcus Robinson.
The veteran wideout turned in his best performance of the year when the lights were brightest-six catches, 111 yards, and a touchdown. But it wasn’t just the stat line that stood out.
It was the way he started the game: a 61-yard catch on the Niners’ opening drive that immediately put the Eagles on their heels. A few plays later, Robinson capped that same drive with a touchdown grab, making it clear San Francisco wasn’t just showing up-they were ready to take over.
Now, with a divisional matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on deck, Robinson’s role becomes even more crucial. Ricky Pearsall's status is up in the air, and George Kittle-arguably the heart of the offense-is out for the season with a torn Achilles. That leaves Kyle Shanahan turning to Robinson and Jauan Jennings to carry the load in the passing game.
Neither Robinson nor Jennings is going to blaze past defenders with raw speed, but that’s not what this offense needs right now. What it needs are reliable targets who can win contested catches, move the chains, and give quarterback Brock Purdy the confidence to keep pushing the ball downfield. Against a Seahawks defense that held the Niners to just three points two weeks ago, that kind of physical, possession-based receiving could be the difference between advancing and going home.
Robinson’s breakout last week came as a bit of a surprise, especially considering how quiet his regular season had been. After missing the early part of the year due to suspension and playing behind established targets like Pearsall and Kittle, Robinson never quite found his rhythm-finishing with just 276 yards and one touchdown on 22 catches. It was fair to wonder if the 49ers had missed on this free-agent signing.
But now? Now it looks like the 10-year veteran might have just been waiting for the right moment.
Playoff football is nothing new for Robinson. He’s made the postseason in every single year of his NFL career, starting with the Kansas City Chiefs, then a stint in Baltimore, and later with the Rams.
He’s not just experienced-he’s battle-tested. And maybe, just maybe, he brings a little postseason magic with him wherever he goes.
The 49ers could use all the magic they can get. Injuries have tested this roster all season long, and yet here they are-just one win away from another trip to the NFC Championship Game. It’s taken grit, depth, and a little bit of good fortune to get this far.
If San Francisco wants to keep the ride going, Demarcus Robinson will need to deliver again. And if last week was any indication, he might be ready to do just that.