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Raiders vs. 49ers: 5 storylines for Week 9 on Thursday Night Football

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 20: Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Tyvon Branch #33 of the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park on August 20, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 20: Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Tyvon Branch #33 of the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park on August 20, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 06: Marcell Harris #26 of the Florida Gators celebrates with fans following the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ben Hill Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 06: Marcell Harris #26 of the Florida Gators celebrates with fans following the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ben Hill Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

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.

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.