49ers News: Renardo Green’s Breakout Preseason Creates Tough Decisions

As the preseason heats up, the San Francisco 49ers have found themselves in the midst of a burgeoning competition at cornerback, driven largely by the emergence of second-year player Renardo Green. His strong performance in training camp has not only earned him significant playing time but also raised intriguing possibilities for the 49ers’ secondary as they prepare for the regular season.

Over the first few weeks of training camp, Green has steadily taken on more responsibilities, particularly with first-team reps at cornerback. This opportunity arose as Isaac Yiadom, a veteran presence in the secondary, dealt with an injury that limited his participation. Green has made the most of these chances, showing his ability to handle both inside and outside coverage, a versatility that has caught the eye of the coaching staff.

Defensive coordinator Nick Sorenson detailed the team's strategic approach in evaluating Green, explaining:

“I wanted to give him the harder stuff early, because he hadn’t played in there [in the nickel]. It’s always easier, I think, to move back out to what you’re used to, then to try something really new. Then if we did it later, it would have been like, oh my gosh, blow your mind. Where when we gave him the hard stuff early, then he handled it while also playing corner.” - As reported by Niners Nation .

The strategy seems to be paying off. Green initially focused on the inside, learning the nuances of the nickel position, before transitioning to more outside duties. This approach allowed him to adapt quickly, and by the second preseason game, Green was showcasing his talent on the outside—an important step in the team’s plan to ready him for Week 1.

“Now he just kind of has to know both. Just like [DB Deommodore Lenoir] DMo does. We like to challenge our guys and see what they can handle,” Sorenson continued . “And when you see that they can handle it, it’s awesome. It gives you that flexibility.”

This flexibility is a critical factor as the 49ers look to solidify their roster. While Green’s emergence is a positive development, it also creates a difficult decision for the coaching staff. Isaac Yiadom, who has been sidelined with an injury, remains a highly valued player within the organization. Despite Green’s rapid development, the team still holds Yiadom in high regard.

“We feel great about Ike [CB Isaac Yiadom],” Sorenson affirmed . “He came in doing exactly what he did last year on tape. He competes at a high level. We love everything we’ve seen. Just like with anybody, once you have them come back, there’s always going to be some type of ramp up period to show that they’re ready to play.”

The 49ers now face a complex decision: how to balance the rising star of Renardo Green with the proven capabilities of Isaac Yiadom. Green’s ability to perform both inside and outside provides the team with options, but it also means that each player’s role must be carefully considered as Week 1 approaches.

With each passing week, Green continues to make a strong case for a starting position, but the final decision will likely come down to how both players perform as the preseason draws to a close. For now, the 49ers can rest assured that their secondary is in capable hands, regardless of which player ultimately earns the starting job.