The 2025 season has represented a trial by fire for rookie cornerback Upton Stout.
Amid struggles in coverage, the 49ers have stuck with the diminutive slot defender, who had sixth-most coverage snaps from the slot in the NFL going into Week 12 (223). Ahead of Sunday’s slate, Stout had allowed the most yards per coverage snap (1.72) among nickel defenders with at least 50 such snaps.
But there have been highs, most notably in the 49ers’ two wins over the Arizona Cardinals. Stout made a key pass breakup
in Week 3 that secured a key stop to get the ball back for the game-winning drive. Last week, albeit with the game already in hand, Stout forced a fumble from Elijah Higgins as he attempted to cross the goal line.
With 383 yards surrendered while in slot coverage, there is an argument for benching Stout, especially with the positive flashes Chase Lucas has shown in limited playing time and the options the 49ers have in terms of safeties who can play the nickel.
But, even at 7-4, rookie development remains a significant focus for the 49ers and, as such, San Francisco is sticking by Stout, with head coach Kyle Shanahan expressing admiration for his performances so far.
Shanahan said on Thursday:
“I love how Stout plays. I think he plays exactly the way that we look for a 49er to play. Going back to his turnover on the goal line, the second effort he did there. He hit him with all he’s got and then he came back for another one getting his hand there to pull the ball out. The way he swarms to the ball would probably be the number one on our defense right now. I love how hard he competes and how fearless he is.”
Stout’s fearlessness will be required on Monday night, as he will go against another rookie who has thrived for the Carolina Panthers this season.
Tetairoa McMillan has 748 yards and four touchdowns, the eighth overall pick quickly vindicating his draft status in style.
And he represents a potential mismatch for Stout in primetime.
McMillan has only been targeted 16 times from the slot this season, but he has caught 14 of those targets for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Among receivers with at least 10 slot targets, he ranked sixth in yards per route run (2.46) ahead of Sunday.
The Panthers will likely try to exploit the matchup by targeting McMillan significantly more from the slot in Week 12, with Shanahan well aware of the danger he poses against a defense that has struggled markedly to prevent passing yardage this year.
“I think he’s a stud,” he said of McMillan. “He’s going to be one of the best receivers in this league sooner than later. He’s got all the skill sets to do it and I think he’s just getting started.”
Shanahan will be hoping Stout can stall McMillan’s progress in primetime. Given the importance of the matchup to the 49ers’ hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, Shanahan’s faith in Stout might dissipate quickly if it becomes apparent the matchup is not going to go his way.
