49ers vs. Raiders: 4 can’t-miss storylines for preseason finale
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers defensive line being that deep, talented
San Francisco managed five sacks during its win over the Chargers. And the defensive line did so without its star two edge rushers, Nick Bosa and Dee Ford, who have practiced during camp but have been held out of preseason matchups while finishing off their respective recoveries from serious season-ending injuries a year ago. Second-year defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw also hasn’t suited up during the preseason yet either.
Instead, reserve defensive linemen like Kentavius Street, Zach Kerr, Jordan Willis and Samson Ebukam received plenty of the highlight and praise.
Related Story: What win vs. Chargers says about 49ers D-line
All of a sudden, the 49ers D-line depth and talent are looking a lot like the 2019 edition that helped propel the team into Super Bowl LIV. Perhaps even better and deeper, provided health isn’t a factor.
Willis will be suspended for the first six games of the year because of a PED violation. But players like Kerr and Street are still trying to carve out niche roles behind the presumed starters.
Yet with the Niners likely to keep no more than five reserve defensive linemen, there’s an awfully good chance one or two starting-caliber defenders find themselves let go by the time final roster cuts are made.
It’ll be a tough choice, but it’s also one that’ll reveal just how formidable this unit is looking right now.