Juice gets extensive running back work, strong safety position has some questions for Week 9

The San Francisco 49ers dropped to 1-7 with their loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and the snap count revealed some interesting decisions in Week 8. You can view the full snap count below, or check out the gamebook PDF.

The 49ers did not get too crazy with the wide receivers on Sunday. Kendrick Bourne started opposite Marquise Goodwin, and they primarily played with two receivers. While Goodwin (61 snaps, 92%) and Bourne (54 snaps, 82%) played most of the game, Trent Taylor was the next receiver up, with 19 total snaps (29%). Dante Pettis returned to action from his knee injury and played seven snaps, while Victor Bolden played five snaps.

Instead of going with extra receivers, the 49ers used two running backs fairly extensively. Kyle Juszczyk led the way with 47 snaps, followed by Matt Breida (31), Raheem Mostert (12), and Alfred Morris (11). Juszczyk has become a key cog in this offense, both as a blocking fullback and as the third down back.

On defense, the secondary was fairly consistent, except for multiple injuries to the strong safety position. Jimmie Ward started at free safety and played all 66 snaps. Jaquiski Tartt started at strong safety, but a shoulder injury removed him after 25 snaps. Antone Exum replaced him and played 20 snaps, but then a concussion removed him from the game. Tyvis Powell closed out the game at strong safety, playing 21 snaps.

That strong safety position will be something to watch this week against the Oakland Raiders. The 49ers are playing on a short week, which means three days of recuperation and practice before Thursday’s game. The extent of Tartt’s shoulder injury is unknown for the time being, and Exum’s concussion means he has to go through the protocol. If the 49ers are without Tartt and Exum, Powell would get the start. The team also could welcome Marcell Harris back off the NFI list this week. That will be a position to watch.