Ambry Thomas plays his way out of the 49ers squad after the first week of the preseason

Ambry Thomas still had a long way to go before making the 49ers’ 53-man roster, and his efforts in the season opener did nothing to improve the situation.

Preseason football is about two things: getting players and coaches into the rhythm of the regular season and evaluating players who are close to being named to the 53-man roster.

Cornerback Ambry Thomas, the fourth-year pro who has been consistently consistent since being selected in Round 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft, is unlikely to earn points for making it to the regular season.

In the first week of the preseason, the Niners faced the Tennessee Titans. In that game, head coach Kyle Shanahan left most of his regular offensive and defensive players on the bench, allowing many reserve and niche players to get plenty of playing time.

Despite the limited opportunities, Thomas was at least allowed to play from the start, but made at least two mistakes that will affect his slim chances of a place in the squad.

Tennessee took advantage of San Francisco’s poor coverage on its kickoff return early in the game, and wide receiver and return specialist Kearis Jackson carried the ball back 63 yards, setting up the Titans’ first touchdown of the night:

Thomas, No. 20 on the right side of the 49ers’ formation, misses a tackle on the play, allowing Jackson to break free.

Later in that drive, when the Niners limited Tennessee players to a third-down attempt in the red zone, Thomas pulled off a defensive stand that gave the Titans new downs and the ball at the 1-yard line.

Late in the second quarter, Thomas missed a tackle on a screen play and failed to bring down running back Julius Chestnut, allowing him to gain 36 yards on 3rd-and-10:

To make matters worse, Thomas left the field at halftime due to a forearm injury and did not return.

Ouch.

San Francisco has already locked in its starting cornerbacks with Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Issac Yiadom, and Rock Ya-Sin and Renardo Green are also all but guaranteed spots on the roster, leaving likely only one spot left in the regular season roster.

Thomas is one of many hoping for a role. Judging by his performance in Week 1 of the preseason, he won’t get it.

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