The San Francisco 49ers are going to send out rookie cornerback Rashard Robinson for a second straight start. Jimmie Ward was ruled out for Week 5 Thursday Night Football, and the team announced with inactives that Robinson would get the start.
Robinson started on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, and had a strong performance. He had three pass break-ups, and generally kept his receiver quiet. It resulted in him moving up to No. 4 on the list of Pro Football Focus’ top ten rookies of 2016.
Robinson will start opposite Tramaine Brock. Last week, Keith Reaser was the first cornerback off the bench, with nickel back Chris Davis effectively benched (two defensive snaps). I would not expect anything different, but we’ll find out as the team gets going on defense.
Thursday brings a serious challenge for Robinson. He looked great last week, regularly against Brice Butler. This week, the 49ers face a Cardinals wide receiver corps that includes Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Jaron Brown, and Michael Floyd. He’s going to face better receivers than what Dallas sent out last week. I eagerly await whatever this brings.