10 players who won’t be on 49ers 53-man roster come Week 1
By Peter Panacy
No. 8: 49ers defensive tackle Kalia Davis
It’s a bit easier of a decision regarding one of San Francisco’s other sixth-round rookies from this year’s draft, former UCF defensive lineman Kalia Davis.
Taken at No. 220 overall, Davis probably could have been a fourth- or fifth-round pick if he hadn’t suffered a torn ACL last year, and his own recovery is going to be the primary year-one objective for him instead of preparing for actual on-field life at the pro level.
Plus, considering the 49ers already boast one of the NFL’s deepest defensive lines despite losing starting nose tackle D.J. Jones to free agency during the offseason, Davis would have had a long shot to make the 53-man roster anyway.
In all likelihood, Davis will redshirt his rookie season, and general manager John Lynch even suggested the rookie might not be ready by the time Week 1 rolls around.
Since the injury didn’t take place in an NFL setting, Davis would qualify either for the physically unable-to-perform or the non-football injury list.
If he falls onto one of those two spots, look for Davis not to be a factor until 2023.