49ers roster bubble watch in the wake of preseason win vs. Packers
By Peter Panacy
49ers roster bubble after beating Packers: Defensive line
Lock: Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, Samson Ebukam, Kerry Hyder Jr., Drake Jackson*, Javon Kinlaw, Charles Omenihu, Kemoko Turay
Strong bubble: Kevin Givens, Robert Nkemdiche, Hassan Ridgeway, Jordan Willis
Weak bubble: Tomasi Laulile, Akeem Spence
Long shot: Kevin Atkins*, Alex Barrett, Kalia Davis*
The 49ers dodged a major bullet when rookie defensive end Drake Jackson suffered a shoulder stinger after being a notable pass-rushing force over the first half of Friday night, exiting to the locker room in a lot of pain but later designated as having a minor injury.
Jackson was easily the best-performing rookie defensive lineman during the game, and his athleticism was fun to watch before he was hurt.
So was one of the Niners’ more recent free-agent pickups, former first-round draft pick Robert Nkemdiche, whose interior run-stuffing work generated a tackle for a loss and increased his chances of being more than just a camp body.
San Francisco could keep as many as 10 defensive linemen this season, but that still means it’ll be faced with some tough decisions with players who could be classified as starters on a lot of teams.
Is parting ways with last year’s playoff hero against Green Bay, Jordan Willis, in the equation? Or is it possible another offseason free-agent addition, Hassan Ridgeway, winds up being the odd man out?
Some tough decisions here, sure.