49ers vs. Broncos: 5 top performances from preseason Week 2

No. 2: Safety Jaquiski Tartt

The 49ers don’t have a lot of positions that are locked down in terms of starters for Week 1 of the regular season in Tampa against the Buccaneers, but the strong safety slot is one that seems to be set.

Safety Jaquiski Tartt has been entrenched as the starter since Eric Reid left, although the 2015 second-round selection has found it more difficult to stay on the field in recent years.

Tartt played in just nine games in 2017, and only eight last season, but has been a solid presence in the 49ers defensive backfield when he has been on the field. Tartt, who signed a two-year contract extension in 2018, looks to be a major part of the 49ers plans for 2019.

On Monday night in Denver, Tartt made his presence known in limited snaps, finishing his game with five tackles (two for loss) and one pass defended. Outside of the counting stats, Tartt appeared to be in the right places when called upon, and in spite coming off the field at one point with a suspected concussion, completed the contest without injury.

Availability will be Tartt’s most important ability this season, as he has shown himself to be a solid if unspectacular option at the strong safety position in his tenure with the 49ers. His time in the game on Monday night showed what he can do when on the field.

Now he just needs to make sure he stays on it for the entire 2019 regular season.