5 bubble-watch players 49ers simply can’t afford to cut in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers bubble player No. 4: Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst
True, the 49ers defensive line is a bit thinner after losing nose tackle D.J. Jones in free agency this offseason, yet it stockpiled the 2022 crop by drafting Kalia Davis while also adding former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway and reuniting with defensive end Kerry Hyder in free agency.
Additionally, the Niners can eagerly anticipate the return of their 2020 first-round draft pick, Javon Kinlaw, who missed all but four games last season because of knee injuries.
This doesn’t necessarily bode well for veteran defensive lineman Maurice Hurst, who also missed the bulk of 2021 because of calf issues. It’s a shame, as Hurst was showing up well during training camp and the preseason before having essentially a lost season thereafter. And that could ultimately put him squarely on the bubble.
That said, Davis suffered an ACL tear last season and is still recovering, likely a candidate to start the year on the non-football injury list, while there still should be worries about whether or not Kinlaw will be 100 percent by Week 1.
Ridgeway, meanwhile, is a rotational player at best. Hurst might be in that category, too, but he carries a bit more prowess as a potential starter.
Simply put, San Francisco would be wise to ensure Hurst has a spot on the 53-man roster.