The San Francisco 49ers promoted running back Matt Dayes from the practice squad on Monday to add some depth for their Monday Night Football contest against the New York Giants. To make room for Dayes, the 49ers released defensive back Tyvis Powell. It seemed likely the 49ers would release quarterback Tom Savage one again, but that was not the case.
The decision to release Powell is an intriguing one. Last week he started at strong safety, a week after moving into the starting lineup when Jaquiski Tartt and Antone Exum. Tartt is out this week with the shoulder injury he suffered two weeks ago. Exum was inactive last week due to a concussion, but is through the concussion protocol.
The 49ers will go into Monday’s game with Exum and rookie Marcell Harris available at strong safety. Exum seems likely to get the start, and the team is comfortable having the rookie available if anything happens to Exum. Last week was Harris’ first game active with the team. He played 15 special teams snaps and six defensive snaps. Of the six defensive snaps, he played five in a box role, and one in a free safety role.