49ers training camp 2018: Top takeaways from July 31 practice

Are Arik Armstead and Joshua Garnett’s Roster Spots in Jeopardy?

Perhaps.

It’s far too early to make a grand, sweeping assumption either Arik Armstead or Joshua Garnett won’t make the 49ers’ 53-man roster this season. The good news for Garnett is his knee injury appears day to day, which means he could be back at almost any moment beyond Tuesday’s practices.

San Francisco 49ers

Yet the more time he misses, particularly with Jonathan Cooper’s return, the less chance he’ll have to earn praise and recognition from the Niners coaching staff.

Garnett carries the burden of being a holdover from the former regime of general manager Trent Baalke — players which, for the most part, have been cleared out by second-year GM John Lynch and Co.

With Garnett out, expect the 49ers to take longer looks at fellow linemen Mike Person and Erik Magnuson, both of whom can play multiple positions along the offensive line.

Another Baalke holdover, Armstead, might have a better shot of sticking around despite the relative long-term groin injury. The plan for San Francisco this year is to play him at the big-end spot, which is suitable to his skill set. With him out for an extended period of time, though, one should expect depth lineman Ronald Blair to get an increased look.

Keep in mind, the 49ers were without Armstead for 10 games last season, due to his season-ending hand injury. And San Francisco’s defense notably improved in the second half.

That doesn’t bode well for Armstead’s future, but it’s too early to assume his spot is in jeopardy.