Not long ago, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told reporters the competition at safety was "wide open," suggesting any duo between the list of candidates -- Jason Pinnock, Richie Grant, Ji'Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle, among others -- was possible.
After one preseason game and a subsequent practice, though, it's more than clear what the Niners' long-term objective is.
With second-year safety Malik Mustapha still on the mend from last year's ACL tear, there have been chances for someone to assume a more prominent role, and Sigle appears to have made the most of those opportunities.
Both in San Francisco's exhibition opener and during subsequent practices.
And it now appears as if Saleh and the 49ers have telegraphed their intentions and expectations for the rookie and his role once the regular season commences.
49ers want Marques Sigle to start by every means possible
Sigle, the Niners' fifth-round draft pick out of Kansas State last April, made a positive impression during his preseason debut, notching seven tackles (five of them solo) and making his presence felt as a hard-hitting defensive back who won't shy down from a challenge.
Then, during practices over the following two days, Sigle assumed the bulk of first-team snaps, suggesting he's earned a starter's job, likely alongside either Pinnock or Brown.
"He’s done a really good job," Saleh told reporters of Sigle on Tuesday. "He’s shown that he can handle both the free and the strong mentally. He’s showing that he is got all the things that are required out of a safety from a movement standpoint, speed, instinct, and violence part. So, he’s earned it."
Of course, the bigger question is when Mustapha returns. A likely tandem of the rookie and the second-year pro is what San Francisco is envisioning, even if it means Brown, the top pick from the 2023 draft, is relegated to backup duties.
Either way, all signs are pointing to Sigle playing a prominent role in what the 49ers want to do with the last line of their defense moving forward.