49ers 2018 roster: Bubble-watch projections after preseason Week 3

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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys is pushed out of bounds by Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Defensive backs:

Jimmie Ward: Strong chance

Tarvarus McFadden: Strong chance

Greg Mabin: Strong chance

Antone Exum Jr.: Strong chance

Tyvis Powell: Weak chance

Chanceller James: Weak chance

Marcell Harris: Long shot

Dextor McCoil: Long shot

Emmanuel Moseley: Long shot

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Just to get it out of the way, Jimmie Ward will almost certainly be on the team. His versatility is much valued by the 49ers, who can use him to plug many different holes if need be. It should also be noted he was much better in Week 2 of preseason than he was against the Dallas Cowboys earlier.

I can’t imagine Tarvarus McFadden getting past waivers, and the 49ers felt confident enough to give him first-team reps in camp, so I feel he’ll be included on the roster.

He’ll be joined, I believe, by Greg Mabin and Antone Exum Jr., who should round out the defensive backs.

There are chances for others as well. Chanceller James and Tyvis Powell could make the team on the back of a good final few weeks in preseason, while Marcell Harris hasn’t really had a chance to be on the field and so probably will be stashed on the practice squad.

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Post-game analysis:

The only major news is Ward was injured (again!) because of a quadriceps injury in the first quarter. I don’t think, right now, Ward will be a cut just due to his versatility. But he’s done himself no favors this preseason and it’s a reminder why he’s on this list.