Texans vs. 49ers: 5 Biggest Takeaways for San Francisco

4 of 6

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Mike Davis (22) runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Texans won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Davis ran hard – and well

Second-year running back Mike Davis is firmly on the roster bubble. Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn are above him on the team’s depth chart, and he is tied for third-string with DuJuan Harris.

In limited action in 2015 due to injury, Davis ran for a very weak 1.7 yards per carry (35 rushes for 58 yards).

However, last night he looked like a completely different player. He was coming off two very good practices in training camp prior to the joint practice with the Texans. Davis ripped a 44-yard run at one point, which would have been the second-longest run of the year by a running back in 2015, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

Mike Davis had a 44-yard for the #49ers in the first half. Longest run by a 49er last year? 47 yards by DuJuan Harris.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 15, 2016

He helped his cause to make the final roster, whereas Harris hurt his cause by fumbling the ball on the two-yard line. Their contrasting days should benefit Davis, per Niner Noise’s Peter Panacy:

"So, understanding what Davis did versus Houston and comparing it to Harris’ fumbling issues, the former should be receiving much more recognition for a spot when the 53-man roster is announced after the preseason. Davis’ stock rose, while Harris’ fell. It’s that simple."

Davis looked slimmer and faster in last night’s game. This bodes well for him in a Chip Kelly offense, who likes to utilize the running back in space and between the tackles.

Next: First-team defense looked ready