49ers roster 2022: Kyle Shanahan likely cuts these 5 players in first wave

49ers first-cut candidate No. 1: Cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman

The first wave of cuts is likely to include a tough break for fourth-year pro cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman, who had a so-so 49ers debut against his former team last Friday.

On one hand, Hollman got the start and even recorded a pass breakup. However, he was also responsible for giving up this embarrassing touchdown to Packers wide receiver Danny Davis:

Granted, the Niners are dealing with some early injury attrition at cornerback, namely with projected starters Charvarius Ward and Emmanuel Moseley both out with soft-tissue injuries, and in the wake of Dontae Johnson suffering a ribs injury on Friday night.

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However, San Francisco has the context to let a veteran like Hollman walk, especially if it helps spark what should be a necessary competition between second-year corners Deommodore Lenoir and Ambry Thomas, both of whom are vying for arguably the last spot on the regular-season depth chart.

Likewise, rookie cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields saw only 15 snaps against the Packers, so it might be in the 49ers’ best interest to give those three more field time instead of taking a harder look at Hollman.

The first wave of roster cuts needs to be made by Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 4 p.m. ET.