Austin believes he could be perfect fit within 49ers' offense

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SANTA CLARA -- Tavon Austin thinks he could be a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but also knows he has to stay on his toes. 

The 49ers' offense is very similar to what Austin was a part of during his time with the Rams, but he still sees it as a challenge. The seven-year vet has been working with the ones and twos but knows there’s still a lot of work ahead. 

“It’s a lot of learning,” Austin said Wednesday. “You can’t be a dummy and be in this offense. You got to be smart. You got to be able to go on the fly. It’s challenging, That’s what I like about it. You got to come in ready to work every day.” 

There is evidence that Austin has what it takes to be a dual-threat receiver in Shanahan’s system. In his third season in St. Louis, Austin racked up 434 yards on the ground while catching 53 passes for another 473 yards. 

With Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk not practicing due to injury, Austin is a viable candidate for end-around and jet-sweep scenarios. The speedy receiver might only check in at 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, but the former first-round pick has speed that can create separation from defenders. 

Since his time with the Rams, Austin has been unable to find his niche. He has 215 career receptions for 2,006 yards and 15 touchdowns, and 196 carries for 1,340 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

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One thing potentially working in Austin's favor is 49ers receivers coach Wes Welker. The two were teammates in 2015 when both played for the St. Louis Rams. It has helped make Austin more comfortable in the meeting rooms and at the facility. 

“I played with Wes when I was in St. Louis so I know his mindset,” Austin said. “I know how he comes to work. It’s just different looking at him as a coach, not teammate. He’s awesome for us.”

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