49ers players who have one last shot vs. Texans to make 53-man roster
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers wide receiver Malik Turner
Not all players on this list are ones who didn’t exactly impress in preseason games thus far.
Despite an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty early against Minnesota, veteran wide receiver Malik Turner nevertheless put together a quality effort in Week 2 and finished with two catches for 26 yards, including a long of 21 yards.
Additionally, Turner forced a key fumble on a Vikings punt-return attempt that San Francisco recovered. Simply put, Turner shined aside from that lone infraction.
Now, the only realistic way Turner survives roster cuts is if Kyle Shanahan decides to keep six wide receivers on the 53-man roster. And five of those spots have already been accounted for: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ray-Ray McCloud and Danny Gray.
What’s working in Turner’s favor has been his prowess on special teams, which he’ll need if he hopes to convince Shanahan that sixth wideout spot is worthwhile.
Essentially the only way Turner is able to do so is if he contributes on Thursday against Houston, both as an offensive weapon and on special teams.