{"numbering":"no_numbering","slides":[{"title":"Five players to watch ","video":"6PRN27HkvU43","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/MULLENS_PLAYER_TO_WATCH_092520.jpg","alt":"Why 49ers' Nick Mullens is player to watch in Week 3 vs. Giants","title":"Why 49ers' Nick Mullens is player to watch in Week 3 vs. Giants"},"credit":"USATSI","published":1601067840,"caption":"

The 49ers apparently are done complaining about the artificial surface at MetLife Stadium.

There is nothing they can do about the playing field for their game Sunday against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey. But they can control how they respond to this challenge.

The 49ers will be short-handed heading into Week 3 after a disastrous game a week earlier against the New York Jets, where five players were lost for this week’s game due to knee and ankle injuries.

Coach Kyle Shanahan will turn to a lot of different players as the team looks to keep pace in the NFC West. Here are five players to keep an eye on.

"},{"title":"RB Jeff Wilson","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Wilson_J_USATSI_13682034.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601067840,"caption":"

Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman are out of action, so the 49ers will turn to Wilson to share the load with Jerick McKinnon in the backfield. The 49ers also will promote running back JaMycal Hasty from the practice squad on Saturday.

Wilson has performed well whenever presented with an opportunity during his time with the organization. The 49ers will likely use him a lot on Sunday against the Giants.

“He’s earned every bit of what he’s gotten,” 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens said. “Every opportunity he’s gotten, he has stepped up.”

Wilson carried the ball just 27 times last season but scored four touchdowns. He also had three receptions, including a late-game touchdown that enabled the 49ers to beat the Cardinals.

"},{"title":"CB Jason Verrett","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/verrett_j_USATSI_14831385.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601067840,"caption":"

It is not a certainty that Verrett will start on Sunday, but he has a good chance to get an opportunity with Ahkello Witherspoon going on the injury report late in the week with a hamstring injury.

Verrett is cleared and went through a full week of practice after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury of his own. He did not suit up for the 49ers’ first two games of the season.

Verrett appeared in just one game with the 49ers last season before going on injured reserve. He is trying to rebuild his career after being plagued by injuries since entering the NFL as a first-round draft pick of the now-Los Angeles Chargers in 2014.

"},{"title":"WR Kendrick Bourne","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Bourne_K_49ers_34603.jpg","credit":"49ers","published":1601067840,"caption":"

The 49ers have so many new pieces to their offense since the last time Mullens started a game. But Bourne remains a vital part of the offense.

In the second half of the 2018 season with Mullens at quarterback, Bourne caught 25 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns.

Mullens has a lot of familiarity with Bourne, so he undoubtedly will look for him in key situations. Bourne has consistently produced for the 49ers on third downs and in the red zone.

“He’s not the fastest guy, but he runs great routes, you always know where he’s going to be, and he can separate versus man coverage,” Mullens said. “If you give him a good throw, he’s always going to make positive yards.”

Bourne might not catch a whole lot of passes on Sunday, but his receptions more than likely will come at timely moments to keep drives alive.

"},{"title":"DE Kerry Hyder","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/hyder_k_darnold_s_Getty_1276536296.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601067840,"caption":"

Hyder went from being a nice backup piece to the 49ers’ puzzle on the defensive line to becoming an essential, irreplaceable member of the unit within a span of three plays last Sunday against the Jets.

Nick Bosa’s season-ending knee injury was a killer for the 49ers. Then, two plays later, backup defensive tackle Solomon Thomas sustained a torn left ACL of his own.

The 49ers this week added Ziggy Ansah and Dion Jordan, a pair of top-five picks in the 2013 draft.

Hyder earned a spot on the team with an impressive training camp, and he is being counted upon to be productive on a weekly basis. He says his mindset does not change, even if his role has.

“I’ve always approached my work, my games, my practices the same way,” he said. “I’m getting ready for a heavier workload, but I’m always prepared to step in and make plays and prepare like a starter.”

In the first two games, Hyder registered 11 tackles and a sack. The 49ers have just three sacks heading into Week 3.

"},{"title":"QB Nick Mullens","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Mullens_N_USATSI_14957553.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601067840,"caption":"

Nobody -- including the 49ers’ coaching staff -- was expecting too much from Mullens when he stepped into the starting lineup in the middle of the 2018 season.

Now, everyone in the organization has confidence in Mullens’ ability to contribute to victories while starter Jimmy Garoppolo is sidelined with a high-ankle sprain.

The 49ers will be without All-Pro tight end George Kittle, Mostert, Coleman and top wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

But Mullens will be expected to manage the offense, limit mistakes and make enough plays for the 49ers to escape New York (or New Jersey) with back-to-back wins to keep pace in the loaded NFC West.

“It’s my fourth year,” Mullens said. “There’s really no excuses to why I shouldn’t perform.”

"}]}

Five 49ers players to watch vs. Giants in Week 3 of 2020 NFL season