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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 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during training camp at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during training camp at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Lock: Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Quinton Dial

Looking Good: Ronald Blair, Mike Purcell

Strong Bubble: Tony Jerod-Eddie

Weak Bubble: Demetrius Cherry, Darren Lake, B.J. McBryde, Garrison Smith

Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (knee) isn’t listed here, because I fully expect him to start the season on injured reserve/designated for return. He hasn’t been cleared to practice following last year’s ACL injury, per Ryan Sakamoto of NinerFans.com.

Fellow defensive tackle Ian Williams’ ankle injury also opens up the door a bit for depth.

The main beneficiary for these two injuries should be nose tackle Mike Purcell, although the Niners may want to rotate fellow defensive tackle Quinton Dial into the center of the defensive line at times too.

Defensive ends Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner aren’t going anywhere. And rookie defensive tackle Ronald Blair has been earning a lot of hype during camp.

One player somewhat lost in the mix is perennial backup Tony Jerod-Eddie. He had some good moments during the 49ers’ preseason game versus Houston, but will this be enough to ensure he stays?

Maybe until Dorsey returns.

Next: Offensive Line