49ers rookie corner Green making case for significant Week 1 role

SANTA CLARA — There is an opening for rookie cornerback Renardo Green, and he appears to be taking advantage of his opportunity. Green has worked his way into serious contention for a significant role in the 49ers' defense to open the 2024 NFL season as part of the team's nickel package. He has shown noticeable strides on the practice field, and that carried over into the preseason game Sunday night against the New Orleans Saints. Green, a second-round draft pick out of Florida State, broke up a Derek Carr third-down pass in the first quarter intended for Cedrick Wilson Jr. "I've been putting the work in just trying to get better, trying to get my one percent (better) every single day," Green said following the 49ers' 16-10 victory over New Orleans. "I really just take things week-by-week. So my progress is my progress. But there's still opportunities, still growth to be made. So that's what I'm striving for." Few roles on the 49ers remain unsettled with the opener three weeks away. San Francisco kicks off its regular season on Monday, Sept. 9, against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Green has put himself into serious contention to enter the lineup when...