49ers roster: 5 players who are playing themselves off the team

No. 3: 49ers Linebacker Marcell Harris

Fourth-year pro Marcell Harris’ switch from safety to linebacker last offseason was a unique alternative and attempt for the 49ers after Harris flashed some promising moments as a run-stuffing defender but lacked adequate coverage abilities over the last two seasons.

Yet that experiment hasn’t exactly generated positive results.

It isn’t as if the Niners have lacked the need either. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Azeez Al-Shaair have both missed time, including both being out in Week 8, which led to Harris seeing an increase in snap counts to nearly 50 percent last Sunday. Including that game, he’s missed at least one tackle for four games in a row, and he’s also surrendered a catch every time he’s been targeted for a completion percentage against of 100 percent.

True, it’s admirable Harris has been playing with a broken thumb suffered earlier this season. But it’s also more than evident San Francisco can’t wait to get both Greenlaw and Al-Shaair back, at least one of them, in some capacity sooner than later.

Harris hasn’t shown the ability to prove himself worthy of a roster spot this season, and it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see the 49ers relegate him to the ranks of players let go after the trade deadline.