National Football League

WR Stevie Johnson adds depth to 49ers

Published Aug. 20, 2014 9:56 p.m. ET

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Wide receiver Stevie Johnson hopes the 49ers have to give up a third-round draft pick next year.

It would mean he'd be a consistent contributor to the Niners passing game this season.

Johnson, a San Francisco native, knows there is plenty of opportunity ahead for any number of receivers.

''I think we all know the bulk of it will go to (Michael) Crabtree and (Anquan) Bolden,'' Johnson said Wednesday, before the 49ers took the field at Levi's Stadium for their 20th practice of the preseason.

''Then there's the rest of us. I'm not necessarily thinking about who will be out there at any given time. For me, it's just when I get the opportunity, let's make it work.''

San Francisco offensive coordinator Greg Roman indicated that any decisions would be based on that week's matchup.

''It's all about how does that match up against a particular team,'' Roman said. ''We play quite a bit of empty. We probably used more tight formations than some people and we haven't lived in three-wide receiver sets like some have. It'll be very specific to us, our personnel, how it matches up against the other team.''

Johnson said he hasn't noticed any one receiver getting more reps in the three and four- receiver sets.

''There are a lot of great players who can make plays,'' Johnson said. ''The coaches have done a good job of getting us all in the rotation about the same.''

Johnson was acquired by the 49ers from the Buffalo Bills for a conditional fourth-round pick that could become a third-round pick depending on Johnson's playing time this season. He spent seven years with the Bills after being drafted in the seventh round out of Kentucky.

''Not everybody can be on the field at the same time,'' Johnson said. ''Every day is another opportunity to get better.''

The 49ers needed depth at the wide receiver position and now seem to have plenty available receivers.

Veterans Brandon Lloyd, who began his career with the Niners in 2003, was coaxed out of a one-year hiatus and Kassim Osgood, in his 12th NFL season, starts his second year with the team.

Quinton Patton, David Reed and Devon Wylie all have NFL experience.

''I've always felt really good about our personnel,'' Roman said. ''I like where our wide receivers are. I think they're working hard and there's a good chance that you see more of them.''

NOTES: The NFL voted Tuesday to add two more players to the practice squad for the next two years, giving each team 10. ''It was a great decision by the National Football League,'' Roman said. ''It just gives more players a chance to develop. Selfishly, it gives us a chance to develop a couple extra guys.'' ... There's no timetable for RB Marcus Lattimore, who is recovering from two major knee surgeries in college, to return to the active roster. He continues to get worked out by the training staff. ... P Andy Lee said he's the best golfer on the team, ''except when I play at Spyglass (in Pebble Beach).'' ... T Jonathan Martin will likely see action at four positions along the offensive line during exhibition play.

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Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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