5 notable takeaways from 49ers first depth chart vs. Cowboys
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Week 1 of the Preseason Is Important for Adrian Colbert
It’s likely the 49ers hand defensive back Jimmie Ward the starting free safety job once the regular season opens.
Ward, who suffered a broken collarbone during OTAs, hasn’t been cleared for the game and likely won’t play versus the Cowboys. And with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh not totally committed to converted cornerback Tarvarius Moore seeing first-team reps at free safety, the opening defensive snaps on Saturday will go to third-year pro Adrian Colbert.
Colbert finished his rookie year hot before regressing heavily in 2018, then landing on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain.
Moore’s transition puts even more pressure on Colbert to perform well during the preseason and remainder of training camp. So far, the latter hasn’t looked solid during camp practices, meaning Moore could be gaining on Colbert merely by default.
Should Colbert’s early 2019 struggles continue, the ongoing regression might force Saleh to bump Moore over Colbert on the depth chart.
And that carries some significant weight in determining roles and placement on the 53-man roster for Week 1.