49ers training camp: Updated bubble watch after opening cuts

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Nick Mullens #4 and Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

49ers Quarterback

Lock: Jimmy Garoppolo

Strong Bubble: Nick Mullens

Weak Bubble: C.J. Beathard

Long Shot: None

Once again, the battle for backup quarterback will be the one to watch during training camp.

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Jimmy Garoppolo is entrenched as the starter. But as 2018 revealed, having a quality backup is extremely important, arguably more so now with the Niners entering their Super Bowl window with an exceptionally talented roster.

Nick Mullens is the clear favorite to emerge as the No. 2 behind Jimmy G this season. And while he can’t be fully regarded as a lock, in case the 49ers decide to move him or if fellow QB C.J. Beathard winds up stealing the show, it’s hard to envision a scenario in which Mullens loses out somehow.

After that, the question becomes whether or not Kyle Shanahan keeps three quarterbacks on his 53-man roster, the third being regularly inactive on gamedays. Last year, this was Beathard.

Yet Shanahan might want to save that crucial roster spot to back up other positions on the roster, perhaps the defensive line or at wide receiver to alleviate some of the injury concerns already there. Or, given Shanahan’s affinity for Beathard, it’s possible he allows the quarterback to get an early jump on free agency, as Beathard’s rookie contract expires this season.

The 49ers waived their UDFA quarterback addition, Broc Rutter, to cut down the number to 80 players. But if there’s room on the practice squad for a developmental quarterback, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Rutter back in a Niners uniform.

Next. 3 players who must impress in 49ers training camp to avoid being cut. dark

Which players do you think wind up being on the bubble after two weeks of camp? Chime in on the comments section and speak your mind!