49ers vs. Raiders: 3 bubble players who improved roster chances

No. 1: 49ers Running Back JaMycal Hasty

Elijah Mitchell is still very much in the mix for one of the two open spots on the roster behind running backs Raheem Mostert and Trey Sermon. And despite his mistakes in the game, Mitchell showed strength, speed and the ability to contribute in the return game against Las Vegas.

Yet one of the players with whom Mitchell is competing is second-year pro JaMycal Hasty, and Hasty had arguably the most explosive offensive play for the 49ers during the game, a 35-yard touchdown scramble late in the third quarter:

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1432104520826294276

If that wasn’t enough, reserve safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix intercepted a pass from Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman, and Hasty doubled down on his impressive play with back-to-back rushes inside the red zone, the first an 8-yard carry and then a 3-yard touchdown run to increase the Niners’ lead.

Kyle Shanahan will have a tough choice picking between Hasty, Mitchell and the veteran, Wayne Gallman, for the final two roster spots, assuming Shanahan keeps four running backs on the 53-man roster.

And if Hasty winds up being on the outside, looking in, it seems highly likely another team will rapidly claim him before San Francisco can stash him on the practice squad.

Good for Hasty either way, though. He’s made his presence felt.