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5 49ers players to watch in NFC divisional round vs. Vikings

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Jaquiski Tartt, Jimmie Ward, 49ers
Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 and free safety Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Safety Jaquiski Tartt

It’s good news the 49ers are expecting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt back from his elongated ribs injury. After all, it allows Tartt and fellow free safety Jimmie Ward to  be far more interchangeable, also giving defensive coordinator Robert Saleh a much better option in coverage.

San Francisco could need it, too.

Tartt will have two primary responsibilities against the Vikings: containing the edge against Minnesota’s running back, Dalvin Cook, while also being asked to cover tight end Kyle Rudolph, who just happened to haul in the game-winning overtime touchdown against the Saints.

Coverage on tight ends was something the Niners experienced some trouble with Tartt’s backup, Marcell Harris. This was especially apparent during the 49ers’ Week 14 win over the Saints, when tight end Jared Cook victimized San Francisco’s defense twice for touchdowns.

If Tartt is quickly able to shake the rust off, the Niners defense will be much better equipped to handle the offensive prowess of players like Rudolph and Dalvin Cook.