The San Francisco offense has stalled out in recent weeks, but it appears the NFC team will be getting some much needed help for the final stretch of the season. Injuries plagued the unit at the start of the year and the results showed as Colin Kaepernick struggled to make something out of nothing. However, marquee players are coming off the injured list at a crucial time in the season.
The 49ers first welcomed back top receiver Michael Crabtree with open arms as San Francisco topped the St. Louis Rams in his first game back. Now, Quiton Patton is set to return in Week 14 giving yet another boost to weak passing game that has plagued the team in recent matchups. The rookie had been out since fracturing his foot in Week 4, but after a promising preseason he is expected to make an impact immediately.
The fourth-round draft pick was not expected to be a starter alongside Crabtree or Anquan Boldin, but he had impressed enough to earn the No. 3 spot. He earned the praise of his quarterback as Kaepernick said Patton was just a great all-around player who just knows how to get open and make plays.
"He's a great player," said Kaepernick after the final preseason game, via the team website. "He is someone who just knows football. He knows how to get open. He knows how to make plays. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do for us."
So what does Patton's return mean for the 49ers offense? It could mean nothing because the team might not have a spot for him. After Crabtree and Mario Manningham returned from injuries, the roster is tight. Kassim Osgood could be the player that gets the sideline, but that might not happen until Patton gets another week of practice under his belt. Osgood has been a key special teams player, so the 49ers might look to another position group first to make room.
The tight end position could also be seeing a boost. Garrett Celek practiced with no limitations this week after missing the last three games with an injured hamstring. That would give the 49ers some needed relief with a better rotation.
Kaepernick has been criticized lately for his ability to execute the offense, but injuries have played a factor in the struggles. As players come back to the field, the 49ers could be poised for a solid late-season run.
