49ers: 5 players who must prove themselves in divisional round vs. Vikings

5 49ers who must prove themselves in NFC divisional round vs. Vikings

SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 22: Anthony Dixon #33 of the San Francisco 49er runs runs against Jayme Mitchell #92 of the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL pre-season game at Candlestick Park on August 22, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /

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Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Safety Jaquiski Tartt

The 49ers are getting some reinforcements back from injury for this contest. And while the biggest one, perhaps, is linebacker Kwon Alexander, the return of strong safety Jaquiski Tartt might end up being just as important.

San Francisco missed Tartt’s presence, especially when Saints tight end Jared Cook burned the 49ers for two touchdowns back in Week 14.

For the Vikings, tight end Kyle Rudolph is the player on whom Tartt’s coverage will primarily focus. And all one needs to do is be reminded of Rudolph’s game-winning overtime touchdown in the Wild Card round versus the Saints to know why that’s so crucial.

On top of Rudolph, Tartt will have to work contain on Minnesota’s top running back, Dalvin Cook, who’ll look to get outside the tackles a lot in this bout.

It’s likely the Niners will employ a lot of the traditional Cover 3 looks, with as many as eight players inside the box, including Tartt.

As such, his ability to focus on Cook and Rudolph will be key in the game’s outcome.