Snap count reflects Ahkello Witherspoon benching, running back committee, Solomon Thomas questions

The San Francisco 49ers secured their first victory in Week 2, but it was an ugly one that saw Ahkello Witherspoon benched late in the game. We’ve got a full rundown of the snap count below, or you can check out the gamebook PDF.

Witherspoon had his worst game as a pro, giving up two scores and getting overwhelmed all day long. Jimmie Ward eventually replaced him, and did not do much in his own right. Kyle Shanahan is meeting with the media on Monday, so we’ll see if this week in practice brings an open competition for the cornerback spot opposite Richard Sherman.

Matt Breida was the star of the game on offense, thanks to a 66-yard touchdown run, but he still ended up with less work than Alfred Morris. Breida played 26 snaps, and had 11 carries and four targets (three receptions). Morris played 31 snaps, and had 14 carries and two targets (two receptions).

The defensive line rotation continues to leave Solomon Thomas on the shorter end of the stick. DeForest Buckner led the unit in snaps (64), followed by Cassius Marsh and Arik Armstead (54 apiece), Ronald Blair (40), and then Thomas (37). Thomas got some passing down work, but he is regularly replaced on the edge by Marsh on passing downs, with Arik Armstead moving inside from strong end to work next to DeForest Buckner at defensive tackle. Thomas remains a strong contributor in the team’s run defense, but he is not emerging as a consistent pass rushing threat.

Rookie Dante Pettis got his first start in place of an injured Marquise Goodwin, and led the wide receiver corps in snaps with 56 (88 percent of total offensive snaps). Richie James made his pro debut, and was on the field for seven snaps. Kendrick Bourne was only on the field for ten offensive snaps, but made the most of limited work with his four-yard touchdown reception.