The 49ers entered Sunday’s game having used a seemingly endless combination of players in the secondary this season.
They played the Denver Broncos without starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder injury), starting nickel corner K’Waun Williams (knee) and free safety Antone Exum Jr., essentially a fourth-stringer. They’re two weeks removed from the release of former first-round draft pick Reuben Foster.
The 49ers held the Broncos to 14 points, their second-fewest allowed this season, behind strong performances by rookies and second-year players in what could be the defense’s most encouraging performance to date. It was crucial in the 20-14 victory, moving San Francisco to 3-10.