49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh made an appearance on XX Sports Radio in San Diego and discussed a variety of topics. There was some QB discussion but I think we've had enough of that. Harbaugh was asked about the tough spots left in roster cuts and the final preseason game.
In the final game of the preseason some positions are out on the line. Where are the tough spots where you are going to be making some cuts?
"I think there is a few. There's a few in the secondary. Shawntae Spencer is somebody who has played a lot in the league and with the 49ers, who's been out all of the training camp. He's just now getting back into the lineup. How quickly will he acclimate? We believe we have seven starters on the offensive line and then you have to get down to five and pick those finals spots there in terms of starters. Those would be the two spots I would say in terms of who is going to start. You have others in terms of who is going to make the 53 [man roster], the 46, and etc.
Much of the 49ers 53-man roster is set, and a sizable chunk of the depth chart is in order. The cornerback positions remain in a good bit of flux thanks in part to Shawntae Spencer's hamstring issues. Spencer has not participated in a fully padded practice since July 31 and has seen Tarell Brown and Tramaine Brock each get some starting time opposite Carlos Rogers.
When the 49ers host Seattle next week, it seems like Brown will be the guy opposite Rogers as it sounds like was "officially" elevated past Spencer on the depth chart. Given that it's still only preseason, we'll have to wait and see until next week how truly official it is, but it's interesting nonetheless.
While Spencer does get ragged on a bit, as a nickel type of back I think he brings some value. Of course, that's also predicated on his ability to stay healthy, which is the reason he's getting bumped back down the depth chart anyway. It's a tough cycle for Spencer.