49ers Cornerback Battle Takes Center Stage in Preseason Opener

The San Francisco 49ers' secondary decisions this offseason were some of the most interesting moves they made. The team appeared content to bring back the three starters from last year, but at the same time made a strong effort to push a lot of them under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

Kyle Shanahan noted that most of the starters will not play in the preseason. Still, the cornerback room is not deep, and there is expected to be competition. So, who plays and what role they play will be important to follow when understanding how Morris views the secondary.

San Francisco 49ers Will Make Interesting Preseason Decisions in the CB Room

Deommodore Lenoir might be the only one of the starters definitely not expected to play. Second-year slot defender Upton Stout seems to be in good standing with the coaching staff as well.

The big question will be Renardo Green. The coaching staff challenged Green this offseason, and so far he has responded. However, the team likely needs to see more than just a few good training camp practices. Does that mean he suits up when most starters sit?

Then, who lines up across from him will be important to follow. It will likely be Jack Jones, who was brought in to push Green. Jones has had a good training camp, but the incumbent has been better.

Nate Hobbs could also push Jones and Green, but right now his role might be the backup slot behind Stout. If Stout sits, it could be a valuable chance for Hobbs to start in the slot. Then, he could potentially jump in for Green on the outside when they move to the next string of defenders.

Ephesians Prysock will be one of the players on the next string. He has been buried on the depth chart due to the depth added, but he should join fourth-year defender Darrell Luter as the depth pieces on the outside, assuming Hobbs does not shift outside. Second-year UDFA Jakob Robinson will man the slot behind Hobbs, as he pushes for a spot in year two.

Overall, it could look like Green and Jones outside with Hobbs in the slot to start. Then, Prysock and Luter on the outside, with Robinson in the slot to finish out the game. The team has no other options, so these six are going to get a lot of work. Who steps up, and who ends up getting all of the playing time?

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