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49ers Preseason: Evaluating Bubble-Watch Players for Each Position

By Peter Panacy

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

Running Back

Lock: Carlos Hyde

Looking Good: Mike Davis, Shaun Draughn

Strong Bubble: Kelvin Taylor

Weak Bubble: Kendall Gaskins, DuJuan Harris

Running back Carlos Hyde could be a major contributor in head coach Chip Kelly’s offense this season. The question is whether or not Hyde can stay healthy.

To ensure this, the Niners need adequate backups. Journeyman tailback Shaun Draughn looked great versus Houston, but he was overshadowed by second-year pro Mike Davis and his 44-yard run in the first half on Sunday.

Davis, who probably was a weak bubble-watch player earlier this offseason, looks in far better shape for his second season.

He’ll probably push veteran running back DuJuan Harris, who committed a costly goal-line fumble during the contest, a roster spot if the same trend continues. And perennial camp body Kendall Gaskins probably won’t make the roster either.

I was a little surprised to see little of rookie RB Kelvin Taylor during Sunday’s game, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see if the 49ers are simply planning on stashing him on the practice squad or deep on the depth chart.

Next: Quarterback