BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Rookie sixth-round cornerback Kenneth Acker was one of the few bright spots in Sunday's drubbing from Denver. He had a pass breakup at the goal line, drew an offensive pass interference penalty and also made an interception, although it was called back because outside linebacker Aaron Lynch was offside at the snap.
Acker has good size (6-foot, 190 pounds). It looks like San Francisco would have a hard time getting him through waivers to the practice squad. As it stands, the 49ers have six corners earmarked for roster spots ahead of Acker, but he's making a good impression and could push second-year player Darryl Morris for a job. Morris was undrafted last season and ended up on the team's practice squad at the start of the year, but was elevated to the roster after Nnamdi Asomugha suffered a knee injury.
Morris, perhaps San Francisco's fastest player, became a standout on special teams coverage. And he has been one of three players getting significant reps at the nickel position in the slot while Acker has been working predominately on the right side. To this point, Acker has shown more promise on defense, while it remains to be seen if he could provide the same value on special teams as Morris.