San Francisco’s preseason opener vs. Denver yielded a 30-9 setback, but the real headlines were the cluster of injuries and how quickly the 49ers’ depth will be tested. Key youngsters exited (Bethune, Sigle, Abdullah, Beal Jr.) with a mix of ankle, knee, rib, and groin issues, while Western Kentucky rookie Upton Stout and Mykel Williams joined the casualty list. Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized cautious handling, with timelines pegged to next week’s joint practice against the Raiders. San Francisco hopes several returning players (Cowing, Renardo Green) clear workouts soon to rejoin practices. The situation will shape practice reps and potential Week 1 depth, especially at linebacker, safety and edge. Fans will be watching how quickly the squad recovers and who steps up in the interim.

As the NFL training camps kick off, numerous former UCF players are making headlines. Rookie RJ Harvey, drafted by the Denver Broncos, is set to make a significant impact as he steps onto the field. Meanwhile, veterans like Shaquill Griffin and Richie Grant are beginning anew with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, respectively. Other notable names like Jordan Akins and Gabe Davis find themselves as free agents, while players like Kalia Davis and Tylan Grable are looking to solidify their spots on their teams.

Harvey, celebrated as UCF's all-time leader in touchdowns, is anticipated to be a key player in the Broncos' backfield. Griffin is returning to Seattle after a successful stint and aims to contribute to a team looking to reclaim playoff status. Grant, who previously excelled with the Falcons, hopes to revitalize his career with the 49ers. As training camps unfold, the performances of these athletes will be under close watch by fantasy football enthusiasts eager to gauge their potential impacts for the upcoming season.

The San Francisco 49ers face challenges at the safety position following Talanoa Hufanga's departure to the Denver Broncos and injuries to key players. In response, they signed Richie Grant to a one-year contract. Grant, a former second-round pick from UCF, aims to revitalize his career after a disappointing season where he started only once and recorded 14 total tackles. With a strong work ethic showcased through extra training sessions, he hopes to secure a starting role in the 49ers' defense.

The Indianapolis Colts have long struggled with their safety positions, but as they gear up for the 2024 season, there are some potential solutions on the horizon. The team has re-signed Julian Blackmon and will rely on Nick Cross, who had a breakout season last year. However, Blackmon's poor performance last season raises questions about his future with the team. The Colts need to find a reliable free safety to complement Cross, which could involve both the draft and free agency.

One prime candidate is Jevon Holland of the Miami Dolphins, who is expected to command a hefty contract but could greatly improve the Colts' secondary. Justin Reid from the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his versatility, is also on the radar. Other potential targets include Tre'von Moehrig from the Raiders and low-cost options like Chuck Clark, who has experience in various safety roles. This offseason, the Colts must prioritize bolstering their safety position to enhance their defensive capabilities.

The Atlanta Falcons are poised to make key decisions as they approach the 2024 NFL Draft, specifically focusing on strengthening their safety position. With Jessie Bates performing well, the other safety spot is in urgent need of attention. Justin Simmons, an unrestricted free agent, is struggling with missed tackles and inconsistent play, while Richie Grant's free agency status and DeMarcco Hellams' injury history raise further concerns.

The Falcons are considering alternatives, including former Georgia star Malaki Starks, who could be picked earlier than expected. The team previously addressed safety in the second round back in 2021 with Grant, a selection that has not yielded the hoped-for results. Furthermore, the history of successful safety picks in the second round suggests that Atlanta may find considerable value should they explore this route again.