Safety Tarvarius Moore is carving out a starting role in the 49ers defense

With the absence of Jimmie Ward due to an injury, the reps at free safety in 49ers trainign camp have gone to second year player Tarvarius Moore. Moore has been gaining the attention of head coach Kyle Shanahan, which could eventually lead to a starting role.

Ever since the San Francisco 49ers started giving defensive back Tarvarius Moore first team reps at free safety the young talent has not disappointed. In fact, he’s caught the eye of head coach Kyle Shanahan who said it himself that “He’s earned more reps”.

When it was first learned that Moore would be receiving first team reps I published an article on the possibility of him being the answer at safety. It has been a lacking position after all and no one has fully staked their claim yet. Well Tarvarius Moore just may be doing that.

Robert Saleh on Tarvarius Moore: “He’s getting a lot closer (to be able to start at FS for the 49ers)."

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) August 7, 2019

I know it’s just been over one week of looks at first team, but it’s at least something to keep an eye on. Moore could very well be a week one starter, despite what defensive coordinator Robert Saleh initially said about him not being ready. If he's not a starter week one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers I would still bet that he will eventually start as the season progresses.

Jimmie Ward is still fighting his way back towards recovery from a broken collarbone, which he won’t be good to go until week two of the preseason. He is the presumed starter at free safety along with Adrien Colbert at strong safety. Moore is taking full advantage of this opportunity while Ward has been out.

He may just be doing enough to sway the minds of the coaches into starting him or carving out a significant role for him. It does behoove the 49ers to invest more time into Moore than Ward since Moore is younger and signed long term.

Regardless of how this plays out, it’s a fantastic sign that Moore is leaving a good impression on the coaches because the safety position for the 49ers needs legitimate spark of talent.