SF 49ers depth chart: Predicting Week 3 starting lineup amid injuries
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers Secondary
Left Cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon
Right Cornerback: Emmanuel Moseley
Nickel Cornerback: K’Waun Williams
Free Safety: Jimmie Ward
Strong Safety: Jaquiski Tartt
Richard Sherman will have to be out until at least Week 5, given the new short-term IR rules, putting more pressure on fourth-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to hold up his own in Sherman’s stead.
Witherspoon was victimized by Jets wide receiver Braxton Berrios for a meaningless fourth-quarter touchdown in Week 2, and there were other moments where Witherspoon didn’t exactly look like a starting-caliber corner.
This could prompt thoughts the SF 49ers consider starting veteran corner Jason Verrett, who is still dealing with a hamstring injury and has been inactive the first two weeks.
Still, it seems likely Witherspoon will get the nod.
Considering all of San Francisco’s injuries right now, it seems a minor miracle safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward have stayed fully healthy. Ward, who has landed on season-ending injured reserve in four of his six pro seasons, remains a mainstay.
And the hope is Tartt, who missed 19 regular-season games the last three seasons, is able to stay on the field, too. The Niners are counting on their availability.