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

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