SF 49ers: 4 players who benefit most from Jaquiski Tartt injury
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: SF 49ers Safety Marcell Harris
It’s pretty easy to figure out who the No. 1 beneficiary of Jaquiski Tartt’s injury is, as it’s the player who has primarily seen field time when the veteran has been out of action the last three years: third-year pro Marcell Harris.
More from SF 49ers Depth Chart
- Kyle Shanahan is wrongly handling his QB situation with Trey Lance
- Trey Lance threatened by 49ers signing QB Sam Darnold
- 49ers need more production from other running backs on roster
- 49ers depth chart: Analyzing the landscape at quarterback
- Daniel Brunskill’s presence eases impact of Aaron Bank’s injury on 49ers
Harris started four games in 2019 and showed some problems with pass coverage. In 2020, though, it appears as if the former Florida Gator has shown some modest improvement in this area. He did, after all, beat out Johnathan Cyprien for the rights to back up Tartt as the No. 2 strong safety option.
That’s one easy reason why Harris’ stock value should be on the rise.
Another is pretty simple, too. Harris is under contract on his rookie deal — cheap for a former sixth-round draft pick — through next season, and the Niners wouldn’t have to shell out any additional funds to retain him next season. That won’t be the case for Cyprien, and San Francisco might want to keep Tarvarius Moore as an uber-reserve defensive back and big-nickel safety.
Should those combine to be the case, Harris is likely to get the bulk of field time in Tartt’s absence, making him the primary beneficiary for the rest of the season.
Next. 3 players whose careers with the 49ers are doomed. dark
Unless he flounders with the opportunity or suffers his own injury.