The 49ers’ battles for 53-man roster spots got a shakeup in their preseason opener. Now they enter Week 2 of the exhibition campaign with a host of players on the roster bubble.
Here are six 49ers who could either earn or lose roster spots over the next three weeks, starting Monday night in Denver:
WR Jordan Matthews
The veteran might be the odd man out in a crowded, young receiving corps. He might also be just consistent enough to force his way onto the roster. He had a catch for 12 yards in the preseason opener. Matthews will make it tough to keep him off the roster if he can put together a couple more good showings. If he doesn’t show up though, he’s probably first in line from that receiver group to get cut.
LB Malcolm Smith
Smith’s rough tenure with the 49ers continued in training camp when he dealt with hamstring tightness. Rookie Dre Greenlaw had a great showing in the first preseason game and separated some from the veteran Smith. He’s got a ton of ground to make up on the fifth-round pick, and that has to start Monday night in Denver.
WR Richie James
The second-year receiver had a good showing against Dallas, but dropping the first pass of the game wasn’t a great look for a player on the bubble. James started the preseason slate on the edge of the roster, and his first preseason game didn’t do much to put him on the inside despite a productive outing. He needs to string a couple of good games together, and that’ll have to keep going against the Broncos.
CB Tim Harris
There were a couple very intriguing plays from Harris in the first preseason game, but the sixth-round pick still has a hill to climb to make the team. Snagging an interception or recording a couple pass breakups would be a good way for Harris to leapfrog some veterans and get himself onto the 53-man roster.
TE Kaden Smith
The 49ers have an intriguing conundrum at tight end as far as how many to keep and which players to keep. George Kittle is a lock. Behind him is entirely unclear. Ross Dwelley appears to be the second tight end, but after that, Smith and Tyree Mayfield will battle for a potential third spot. Mayfield is versatile and athletic enough to play a fullback role, which may give him an edge over Smith. The rookie from Stanford needs to start shining in a game setting to help create some space between himself and Mayfield.
OL Willie Beavers
There may not be much Beavers can do at this point. He was the first tackle in the game when Shon Coleman got hurt against Dallas. That was a chance for him to grab a hold of the swing tackle role. Instead, he struggled and was hit with three holding penalties. The 49ers added veteran Sam Young who is now the leader to grab that reserve tackle job. Beavers’ already uphill climb is steeper than ever, and a bad game in Denver could end his chances altogether.
