Ambry Thomas ‘ready to go,’ in mix for 49ers’ third CB role

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers used a different combination at defensive back in Saturday's 21-20 preseason win over the Denver Broncos. With the nickel back position on the 49ers' defense still undecided, San Francisco shifted its defensive backs and utilized Ambry Thomas on the outside opposite Charvarius Ward for the first two defensive series on Saturday evening. The third-year corner remained at that position for the remainder of his time in the game. Outside of allowing a deep near-touchdown pass from Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham to Jalen Virgil at the end of the first half, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was pleased with Thomas' performance. Luckily for Thomas, teammate and rookie safety J'Ayir Brown prevented the Broncos receiver from getting into the end zone. "He did a good job," Shanahan said of Thomas via conference call Sunday. "The thing is, he just got that double move at the end, which to me is a little bit more situational awareness. It ended up not hurting us because I think it was Ji'Ayir who did a hell of a job rallying to it and stopping him on the 1-yard line right before the half ended. "But besides that play, I thought he played pretty good." Thomas, whose...