49ers roster: 4 players with most to lose in preseason vs. Raiders
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers Linebacker Marcell Harris
The 49ers have officially made the position switch for former safety Marcell Harris, whose pass-coverage skills the last three years haven’t exactly been exemplary. Plus, with the Niners bringing aboard other safeties like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Tavon Wilson and Talanoa Hufanga, Harris likely wouldn’t have had a shot at the 53-man roster if he stayed put.
On the positive side of things, Harris has shown a knack for being a quality run-stopper down within the box, so perhaps the position switch works out for him.
Also working in his favor is the fact veteran linebacker Mychal Kendricks ended up being shelved on injured reserve with a toe injury suffered in Week 2 of the preseason, opening up the door for Harris to stick around on the roster a little while longer.
Harris should have plenty of field time against the Raiders, especially with both Kendricks and likely fellow linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) out for the game, meaning Harris gets to compete with others like Jonas Griffith, Elijah Sullivan and Justin Hilliard for what’ll probably be the fourth and final spot at the position on the 53-man roster.
Despite the positional injuries, though, Harris’ hold on a spot remains precarious. And anything short of a high-quality effort versus Las Vegas could easily result in him being let go ahead of Week 1.