(This is the third part in a series that spotlights five 49ers players to watch in the team's exhibition game Sunday, 1 p.m. (FOX-TV), at the Denver Broncos.)No. 5 --Ikaika Alama-FrancisNo. 4 -- Anthony DixonThe 49ers' No. 3 cornerback, Chris Culliver, will not play due to a knee injury. It's not a long-term injury, but it could have long-term consequences.After all, Culliver landed as the team's third corner last season when he was opportunistic following injuries to Shawntae Spencer and Tramaine Brock.It's uncertain how Perrish Cox figures into the 49ers plans for this season. It's only known that he figures "somehow, someway," according to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.Cox missed last week's game against the Houston Texans. He remained in the Bay Area to rehab a leg injury. Meanwhile, Brock struggled against the Texans to seemingly solidify Cox's spot as one of the 49ers' top four cornerbacks.Cox is expected to see a lot of action Sunday against the Broncos, the team for which he played his one and only NFL season in 2010. The Broncos cut Cox before last season as he faced sexual assault charges.Shortly after he was acquitted in March, the 49ers signed him. And with a strong training camp, Cox is looking to carve out a significant role for himself once the regular season begins.
Cox has position flexibility as the only cornerback behind Carlos Rogers who plays the nickel back position. So whether it's covering an outside receiver or playing the slot, Cox should get a test -- and a chance to move up the depth chart -- against Denver quarterback Peyton Manning.
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