Veteran WR an unlikely star of training camp for 49ers

The depth in the San Francisco 49ers receiving corps was tested almost immediately when starting wide receiver Ricky Pearsall went down with an injury that required season-ending surgery and veteran WR Christian Kirk was sidelined by a calf issue. Now it looks like that depth is ready to hold up going into the regular season.

After Pearsall and Kirk went out the 49ers saw veteran Mike Evans and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling also miss time with quad and hamstring issues, respectively. The result has been the emergence of veteran WR Demarcus Robinson, who stood out in the team's joint practice with the Tennessee Titans.

Via ESPN's Nick Wagoner:

Have said it repeatedly in this camp but will again here: Robinson has really developed a good rapport with Purdy. Those two had another big day today with some deep ones included. There was one rough day last week for that duo but they've otherwise been locked in.

Robinson joined the 49ers last season and after serving a suspension to start the year went on to grab 22 receptions for 276 yards and one touchdown. He also thrived in the postseason with six catches for 111 yards and one touchdown in the 49ers' wild card win vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.

Entering training camp it appeared Robinson may be on the outside looking in at a roster spot with Kirk and a handful of young receivers looking to carve out places on the back of the depth chart. Now it looks like he's in line to be the team's No. 4 WR in a fully healthy version of the receiving corps.

While a fourth WR isn't a player who's typically going to be productive, it does mean the 49ers have some quality depth that should allow them to withstand an injury at the top of the depth chart that pushes Robinson up one spot and expands his role. Last season he proved capable of taking on a bigger workload in the passing game, and this year's training camp is more evidence that the 49ers WR depth should be in good shape come Week 1.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Veteran WR an unlikely star of training camp for 49ers

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