5 notable takeaways from 49ers first depth chart vs. Cowboys
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Jason Verrett Will Be Brought Along Slowly
Like backup quarterback, the 49ers also have an enticing battle for the No. 2 cornerback gig opposite the veteran, Richard Sherman.
Sherman is another player who likely won’t see too much of the field to kick off the NFL preseason, but this initial depth chart tells us one notable thing: Ahkello Witherspoon appears to be ahead of another veteran, Jason Verrett, on the depth chart.
It makes sense. Verrett, who suffered a torn Achilles in training camp with the Los Angeles Chargers back in 2018, has only started on-field duties for San Francisco. He still needs to get his proverbial “football legs” underneath him, meaning the Niners have no intention on rushing him back into the fray.
When healthy, Verrett can be a dominant corner. He was a Pro Bowler back in 2015, after all. Since the start of 2016, though, Verrett has appeared in just five regular-season games.
One could make the argument Verrett isn’t just behind Witherspoon, but also the recently acquired Dontae Johnson, who was picked up off the free-agent scrap heap by the 49ers earlier this offseason. Johnson is fully healthy, while Verrett isn’t quite there yet.
Johnson isn’t a better corner than Verrett, but the Niners aren’t going to be pressed rushing Verrett back into the fray. So don’t expect him to see much of the field either versus Dallas.