49ers roster: 4 players who now find themselves on the bubble

49ers Bubble-Watch Player No. 3: Safety Tony Jefferson

San Francisco’s safety depth is already being tested a good degree in training camp, particularly in the wake of starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt landing on the physically unable-to-perform list after suffering a setback with the toe injury that landed him on injured reserve last season.

Good thing the 49ers reinforced the depth behind him already earlier this offseason, adding veterans like Tavon Wilson and Tony Jefferson to the mix.

But after the Niners inked another former first-round pick, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, one can safely wonder if Jefferson’s status with the team beyond the preseason is now in jeopardy.

Wilson and, to a similar extent, rookie Talanoa Hufanga have been making impressive efforts during training camp, and both should be considered safe for the roster. Jefferson, who missed all of 2020 after suffering a torn ACL with the Baltimore Ravens the year before, has been dealing with a groin and hamstring injury.

Clinton-Dix’s presence doesn’t suggest Jefferson’s hold on a roster spot is a good one. And if injuries continue to get in the way, it’s likely San Francisco goes with its recent acquisition over someone like Jefferson.

Jefferson balling out during the preseason could change all this, of course.

For now, though, Jefferson is squarely on the roster bubble.