Tucker’s injury creates opportunities for other 49ers

By Danny Dabiri  |   Tuesday, June 19, 2007  |  Comments( 4 )

San Francisco 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers' secondary will not be affected by the season-ending injury suffered by cornerback B.J. Tucker (torn pectoral) last Friday. The team is blessed with three proven cornerbacks -- Nate Clements, Walt Harris, and Shawntae Spencer -- who all have significant game experience and have been successful.

Depth in the defensive backfield is critical in the NFC West. Despite the loss of Tucker, the 49ers -- to accompany their above-mentioned veterans -- have a stable of other cornerbacks that includes rookie Tarell Brown, Marcus Hudson and Donald Strickland.

The 49ers' pass defense ranked 26th last season, but the additions of Clements and safety Michael Lewis serves as an indicator of the team's committed desire to upgrade that weakness.

Adding to the talent pool in the secondary is Brown, a rookie fifth-round pick. The former Texas Longhorn is the most likely player to benefit from Tucker's injury. After signing a four-year contract, Brown is having a solid camp to this point, and it seems he is committed to putting his past off-field transgressions behind him.

Competing with Brown for playing time is impressive second-year defensive back Marcus Hudson, who made several highlight-worthy plays in practice last week. Brown and Hudson have been engaged in one of the most competitive position battles in camp, which should improve each of them heading into the season.

Meanwhile Strickland provides the team with a seasoned reserve at defensive back. Strickland is not currently practicing as he continues to suffer from a knee contusion; he should, however, be fully recovered by training camp. Strickland has appeared in several postseason games as a member of the Indianapolis Colts, and his experience is a nice security blanket if the youngsters -- Brown and Hudson -- struggle.

The 49ers' secondary, with its new additions, ought to be much improved this year. And while the loss of Tucker is unfortunate, San Francisco has plenty of guys capable of making a positive impact.

Daily San Francisco 49ers commentary, courtesy of RealFootball365.com

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