SF 49ers: Final bubble watch ahead of Week 1 roster cuts
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers Defensive Line
Lock: Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, D.J. Jones, Solomon Thomas, Javon Kinlaw*
Strong bubble: Kevin Givens, Kerry Hyder, Kentavius Street, Ronald Blair
Weak bubble: Darrion Daniels*, Dion Jordan, Jullian Taylor
Long shot: Alex Barrett, Cameron Malveaux
The Niners defensive line remains one of the strongest units on the roster heading into the regular season, although there are quite a few question marks about the depth.
Two returning veterans, Ronald Blair and Jullian Taylor, find themselves on the roster bubble ahead of Week 1 as they’re both listed on the physically unable-to-perform list after suffering ACL tears in 2019. Blair seems the better candidate to return, while Taylor likely remains on an injury list to start the season and could end up being shelved on injured reserve.
This opens up better chances for other depth players, including EDGE Kerry Hyder and even the undrafted rookie, Darrion Daniels, who has impressed enough in camp to be considered for the back end of the 53-man roster.
A greater likelihood for Daniels, though, is the practice squad.
Meanwhile, look for a player like Kevin Givens to serve as a primary backup for nose tackle D.J. Jones, while the outside pass-rushing trio of Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa and Dee Ford look to stay healthy for the entirety of 2020.