Right now, the San Francisco 49ers wideout is focused on this season, and last month shared his goals for 2020. And they don't include passing yards, touchdowns, or any other statistical feat.
"To play free, without anything holding me back," Pettis said. "... Going in every day, and getting to a point to where, coming into practice or the weight room or whatever, getting to a point to where I know that I got better ... You need to get to the breaking point each day and get past that. That's kind of how I would measure my goals for this year."
Pettis has impressed his coaches since the start of training camp. That's good because his number may come up on Sunday during the 49ers' opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The chances of that happening may increase, depending on the statuses of Deebo Samuel (foot) and Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring). Both are returning from injuries.
"With two receivers being day-to-day, we're ready for any situation with the receivers," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters before Wednesday's practice. "Whether Dante is going to play a lot, play a little, he's kind of in the same boat with about four other guys."
San Francisco made Pettis a second-round pick out of Washington in 2018. He caught 27 passes for 467 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, raising expectations for his sophomore campaign. Pettis hauled in just 11 passes for 109 yards with two scores last season.
Still, Shanahan has been impressed with the work Pettis put in this offseason and the effort he has shown since reporting to training camp.
"What I can say is that Dante is so much more prepared right now for the season than he was last year at this time," Shanahan continued. "Just the work that he put in while he was away, the stuff I said earlier in the year, but it definitely hasn't changed.
"Everyone battled through camp, and had some good days, some bad days. But Dante was so prepared for camp, fought through camp, the tough days, and I think took a number of steps forward as a receiver. And whether he gets his opportunity this week or some other time throughout the year, he's put himself in a position to have a chance to be successful."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Kyle Shanahan on 49ers WR Mike Evans: 'I haven't had many guys like that'
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is excited about the possibilities veteran wide receiver Mike Evans brings to his offense. On Thursday, Shanahan did not hide his enthusiasm as he discussed the unique traits Evans brings to the team. "Mike's a Hall-of-Fame... -
49ers OTAs: Kyle Shanahan sets clear goals
The San Francisco 49ers continued organized team activities (OTAs) on Thursday, their second practice since starting OTAs on Wednesday. Several veteran players were held out of Thursday's practice. Quarterback Brock Purdy participated, while others—including wide receiver... -
Kyle Shanahan discusses the start of 49ers OTAs
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Thursday following the team's second organized team activities (OTAs) practice. Here's what he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. You guys added a bunch of... -
49ers reunion? Nick Bosa, Kyle Shanahan address Joey Bosa interest
Veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa has been linked to the San Francisco 49ers throughout the offseason as the team looks to bolster a pass rush that struggled last year, finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks. Despite the fit on paper, questions remain about whether a move is realistic...