Raiders vs. 49ers: 5 storylines for Week 9 on Thursday Night Football
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Marcell Harris to See Time at Safety?
C.J. Beathard’s injury isn’t the only one the 49ers have to consider on Thursday. Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt, who suffered a shoulder injury in Arizona, is listed as doubtful for the contest. His immediate backup, Antone Exum, suffered a concussion in relief of Tartt.
That forced third-string safety Tyvis Powell into the game, and he gave up both of the Cardinals’ two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the loss.
San Francisco cleared two roster spots Tuesday, waiving wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. and defensive back Greg Mabin. So, after starting the regular season on injured reserve, it’s possible the Niners may activate rookie strong safety Marcell Harris (Achilles) in time for the contest.
Kyle Shanahan said he’d rule out safety Antone Exum (concussion) for Thursday game. It’s possible Marcell Harris will be active, and it’s even possible he could start with Jaquiski Tartt injured as well.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 30, 2018
Harris, the 49ers’ sixth-round draft pick out of Florida, missed all of 2017 with that Achilles injury. But with the Niners’ 2018 campaign awash, it might as well be now to see what the team has in this rookie defensive back if he’s healthy and ready to go.
At best, his performance could help alleviate some of the major depth concerns San Francisco has at the position.