Some notable changes to the depth chart in 49ers Week 16 win over Jaguars

The San Francisco 49ers secured their biggest win of the season on Sunday, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 44-33 to improve to 5-10. The win saw a lot of familiar faces, but we also saw some changes in workloads. You can check out our table of the snap count below, or check out the game book PDF.

We saw a first this season on Sunday. Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell got an offensive snap, lining up at fullback on Jimmy Garoppolo’s quarterback sneak. I believe it is the first offensive snap for a defensive player this season. The 49ers set up the heavy package run, and then let Garoppolo keep the ball. I think Garoppolo got into the end zone on his own, but I did notice Mitchell come in behind him and try to give him a further shove.

Dontae Johnson was replaced for a couple series by recently promoted Tyvis Powell. Johnson had a pick-six, but then quickly followed that up with multiple penalties. He is very much one who giveth and taketh away. Johnson eventually returned to the starting lineup, but finding a capable starter opposite Ahkello Witherspoon should be a big priority this offseason.

George Kittle ended up getting the bulk of the work over Garrett Celek at tight end. Celek was listed as questionable with knee and rib issues, and ended up getting 17 snaps to Kittle’s 35. Injuries have impacted this depth chart regularly this season, with Kittle previously dealing with assorted ailments.

A pair of players I’ve really enjoyed seeing out there are defensive end Cassius Marsh and defensive tackle Sheldon Day. The 49ers acquired them in late November, and both have been immediate impact players. Marsh is getting solid pressure on the quarterback, while Day is a presence in the run game. Marsh is a free agent after this season, while Day is signed through 2019.

Here’s the full snap count.