The San Francisco 49ers used some of their other pass-catching weapons to come from behind against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11, pulling off the 36-26 victory at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
Absent among the playmakers, however, was second-year wide receiver Dante Pettis.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle's Eric Branch, Pettis didn't see a single snap during Sunday's contest against the Cardinals. None on offense and none on special teams, meaning it's pretty apparent where Pettis is fitting in with head coach Kyle Shanahan right now:
WR Dante Pettis did not play a snap, meaning he's never been deeper in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse. #49ers
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) November 18, 2019
While some fans insist Pettis was on the field for at least two snaps during the final stages of the game, it's apparent the receiver wasn't a major part of Shanahan's game plan. The 49ers started wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and the rookie, Deebo Samuel, against the Cardinals. Third-year pro Kendrick Bourne appeared to get the majority of outside reps in three-wide formations, moving Sanders to the slot. Yet Sanders' ribs injury from the previous week seemed to come back to aggravate him, as Sanders exited early and was replaced by Richie James.
Not Pettis.
Last week, during the 49ers' overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Pettis saw 31 total snaps and was seen as a player who could step into the role Sanders vacated when he was forced out of the game early with injury. Plus, Pettis has already been under scrutiny from Shanahan dating back to training camp.
Interestingly enough, Pro Football Focus didn't credit Pettis with a drop in Week 10 against Seattle. But for whatever the reasons, Pettis didn't do enough during that game to warrant high placement against the Cardinals the following week.
"He's had a number of opportunities," Shanahan said before the 49ers hosted Arizona, via NBC Sports Bay Area. "I'm one of the guys that believe in him the most. That's why he's here. He's had his opportunities.
"The more he doesn't take advantage of his opportunities, the less opportunities he gets."
Based off the snap counts, Shanahan felt as if Pettis wasn't deserving of any opportunities in Week 11. Meanwhile, Samuel recorded an astounding 134 yards on eight catches, marking the second consecutive game the rookie has reached the 100-yard plateau in a contest.
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Written by:Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
