Raheem Morris encouraged by 49ers’ D in preseason opener

The San Francisco 49ers may have opened the preseason with a 19-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans, but defensive coordinator Raheem Morris came away encouraged by what he saw from several of the team’s young players.

With many projected starters sitting out Thursday night at Levi’s Stadium, the preseason opener provided an extended opportunity for San Francisco’s younger defenders to make an impression. Morris said several of them took advantage of the opportunity.

“Basically, what you just said. A lot of the young guys making plays,” Morris said. “The nerves got out of the way; the guys played fast.”

Among the players who stood out was rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger, who made an early tackle and showed the athleticism San Francisco will need from its young linebackers.

Morris also highlighted defensive linemen Gracen Halton and Romello Height, along with cornerback Ephesians Prysock.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: Ephensians Prysock #35 of the San Francisco 49ers guards Lance McCutcheon #89 of the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Levi’s Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Prysock, in particular, continued to impress Morris after a strong showing in joint practices. The rookie cornerback broke up a pass in the red zone and consistently stayed tight in coverage.

“I was really pleased with how he played, and it’s been really encouraging to watch his steady development throughout the whole process,” Morris said.

Halton also made his presence felt, recording a sack that was ultimately negated by a penalty. Morris was less interested in the matchup against Tennessee offensive lineman Peter Skoronski and more impressed by how Halton executed his assignment.

“For Gracen to be able to cause the penetration, to be able to get through. Really pleased with the execution of all the things that they did that way,” Morris said.

Dugger’s versatility could make him particularly intriguing as the preseason progresses. Morris said the rookie has spent time working with the defensive line, standing up at linebacker and moving around the formation.

“I think he’s done such a wonderful job at that,” Morris said. “Him and Romello both. I’ve got to give those guys a lot of credit.”

The competition also extends to the linebacker spots. Garret Wallow, Tatum Bethune and Jalen Graham have all received opportunities at MIKE alongside Fred Warner, and Morris was encouraged by the communication and execution.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans in the first half at Levi’s Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

There is still plenty to clean up. Morris acknowledged that some of the young linebackers over-pursued plays Thursday, something he attributed more to the excitement of the first preseason game than inexperience.

“Just do your job, first and foremost,” Morris said. “They’re excited. Let’s get a bunch of coaches, get these guys riled up. Everybody wants an assist. We’ve got to get to the rock.”

The next test comes Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers and Justin Herbert. Rather than viewing the matchup as a daunting challenge, Morris sees it as an opportunity.

“Justin’s one of the better quarterbacks in this league, a premier quarterback,” Morris said. “I think that provides more fun for me than a challenge right now.”

For a defense still taking shape, the preseason loss offered plenty for Morris to build on.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Brock Purdy excited by 49ers’ progress as preseason kicks off
• 49ers OC: Deebo Samuel ‘Still Looks Like Deebo’
• Mac Jones says preparation is his strength as 49ers enter preseason
• 49ers DC Raheem Morris has zero worries about Nick Bosa’s return
• Why Brock Purdy is finally getting the respect he deserves in NFL QB rankings

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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