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Raiders vs. 49ers: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 9

By Peter Panacy

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the stop against Mychal Rivera #81 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers makes the stop against Mychal Rivera #81 of the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals scores the game winning touchdown over cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 and defensive back Tyvis Powell #30 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals scores the game winning touchdown over cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 and defensive back Tyvis Powell #30 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Defensive Back Tyvis Powell

As is the case with Reuben Foster, the 49ers will be forced to test their depth at strong safety. This, following injuries to the starter, Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder), and backup defensive back Antone Exum (concussion).

Both have been ruled out for Thursday night.

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San Francisco will likely have to put defensive back Tyvis Powell into a starting role. Seeing first-team snaps in Week 8 didn’t go well, as he was the primary coverage man responsible for the Cardinals’ two fourth-quarter touchdowns last Sunday.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, spoke on Powell’s Week 8 struggles and what they mean moving forward:

"Obviously, there are some plays, some things that he wants back. If Tartt is unable to go this week, he’ll have another opportunity to prove himself. We have tremendous faith in him. He’s a good football player, that’s why he’s here."

A learning experience, perhaps.

Fortunately, the Raiders don’t boast a proven receiving weapon like the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald. Nor do they have an up-and-coming receiver like Arizona’s Christian Kirk — both of whom burned the 49ers for touchdowns late last week.

Still, Oakland boasts the 11th best pass offense in the league, generating 1,930 yards in the process.

Next. 5 storylines to watch in Week 9 between 49ers & Raiders. dark

Powell is likely to be tested early and often Thursday.

The 49ers and Raiders kick off on Nov. 1 at 8:20 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.