Niner Noise
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Packers vs. 49ers: 5 San Francisco Players to Watch in Third Preseason Bout

By Peter Panacy

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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 Mike Davis

Week 1 of the preseason suggested second-year running back Mike Davis was all but guaranteed a roster spot within San Francisco’s deep crop of tailbacks.

After all, Davis simply rushed for 72 yards on five carries against the Texans.

But then preseason Week 2 happened.

Davis’ efforts against the Broncos reminded fans why he’s still on the roster bubble. While his 26 yards on five carries (a 5.2 YPC average) wasn’t a bad stat line, two costly fumbles are enough to raise some concerns.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise 49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman put his tailbacks to work in ball-carrying drills this week (h/t Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee):

Davis will need more than just one solid performance to guarantee a roster spot.

With the depth chart wide open behind No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde, whoever holds onto the ball has that much better a chance to stick around beyond roster cuts.

Watch if Davis can bounce back against a Packers defense that recovered 19 fumbles last year.

Next: Cornerback Jimmie Ward