SANTA CLARA — Today’s home finale against the Chicago Bears features a 49ers defense that will start so many young players that, well, look at this stat:
Career starts by cornerback Richard Sherman: 111.
Career starts by 10 other projected starters: 125.
With cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (knee) and strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder) going on injured reserve last week, the 49ers secondary likely will include three rookie starters: strong safety Marcell Harris, cornerback Tarvarius Moore and nickel back (or free safety) D.J. Reed.
The Bears have the league’s 22nd-ranked pass offense, and they figure to rely more on their 14th-ranked rushing attack, although running back Tarik Cohen is their leading receiver and will be a matchup issue for Harris, Reed and linebacker Fred Warner, the fourth rookie in their projected starting lineup.