49ers roster: 4 winners from second wave of preseason cuts
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Linebacker Justin Hilliard
Mychal Kendricks’ signing immediately put San Francisco’s two undrafted rookie linebackers, Elijah Sullivan and Justin Hilliard, on the back end of the roster bubble. After all, adding Kendricks suggested the 49ers weren’t entirely satisfied with the depth at this spot behind Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.
Particularly with No. 3 linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair sidelined with a knee injury.
The league’s short-term IR rules could mean Kendricks returns after three regular-season weeks, but the fact he’s now out alongside Al-Shaair for the immediate future means both Hilliard and Sullivan have at least one more week to prove their worth.
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Hilliard, in particular, might have a bit bigger pedigree to work with. True, collegiate injuries remain a notable concern. Yet Hilliard’s exceptional work at Ohio State on special teams could ultimately earn him a spot on the 53-man roster by the time Week 1 rolls around.
Whether or not Hilliard is able to hold onto that spot is anyone’s guess, particularly if both Al-Shaair and Kendricks return healthy at some point down the line.
For now, though, Hilliard has to be feeling a bit better about his roster chances.