Breaking down the 49ers’ position groups entering preseason finale vs. Chargers
49ers have a pretty good idea who will be on their 53-man roster going into Chargers game
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The 49ers play their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday night, with only minor tweaks to a roster they believe is Super Bowl-caliber.
After the quarterback hierarchy has been established, the only question is whether Trey Lance remains as a high-priced No. 3 or is traded or released to start over somewhere else. For what it’s worth, Lance was at Thursday’s walkthrough, which is closed to media outside of the flagship station, according to KNBR’s Greg Papa.
If Lance is released, Brandon Allen will take his place on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Aside from that, every position group has at least one top-level player, and in some cases two, with Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel at wide receiver, Nick Bosa (once he signs) and Javon Hargrave on the defensive line, Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Juszczyk in the backfield, and Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw at linebacker.
Trent Williams anchors the offensive line, George Kittle is the tight end, and cornerback Charvarius Ward justified his large contract a year ago with his coverage ability and safety. In his second season, Talanoa Hufanga was an All-Pro.
So the only drama left is one of depth and a supporting cast for a roster that nearly everyone believes is one of the best in the NFL. Teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by August 29 (Tuesday), with 37 players hearing their fate over the weekend and up until the deadline.
Many of these decisions have most likely already been made, depending on what happens against the Chargers and whether any injuries occur that would change the roster makeup.
Some things to look out for:
Broad receiver
Who will join Aiyuk, Samuel, and Jauan Jennings on the team? Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist) will be named to the team’s initial 53-man roster. Then he’ll be placed on injured reserve, freeing up a spot for the first four games of the season, or he’ll be kept on the roster if his absence is only for a game or two. (In order to be designated to return from IR later, he must make the initial roster.)
Danny Gray (shoulder) is another player who could make the roster and then be placed on injured reserve. Even though he had passes go off his hands and turn into interceptions in each of the 49ers’ first two preseason games, seventh-round pick Ronnie Bell has drawn attention. Veterans Chris Conley and Willie Snead IV, as well as Tay Martin, have flashed.
There’s also a chance that a return specialist who is also a receiver will be found on the waiver wire and put to work in Pittsburgh in Week 1.
Ending on a cliff
It’s difficult to predict how things will turn out after Kittle. Cameron Latu, a third-round draft pick, struggled for a while but has recently rebounded, including a touchdown against the Broncos. Brayden Willis, a seventh-round pick, appears to be a practice squad keeper. Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley, the current incumbents, are still on the job.
The offensive line
Matt Pryor and Jaylon Moore are vying for the swing tackle spot behind starters Williams and Colton McKivitz, with converted tight end Leroy Watson a possible practice squad addition.
Is veteran Jon Feliciano good enough to fill in at center and both guard positions? Nick Zakelj and Jason Poe are contenders. It’s anyone’s guess how run game coordinator Chris Foerster graded them.
The position of running back
Following McCaffrey and Juszczyk are Elijah Mitchell, Ty Davis-Price, and Jordan Mason. Davis-Price is getting a lot of attention, and Mitchell is constantly injured despite having a productive regular-season resume.
Undrafted free agent Jack Colletto could be a practice squad target for Juszczyk as a future or emergency replacement.
Line of defense
There are numerous possibilities. Bosa is expected to arrive soon and play at least 50 snaps in the pursuit of Kenny Pickett in Pittsburgh on September 10. If not, it’s a body blow for Clelin Ferrell, Drake Jackson, Kerry Hyder Jr., Austin Bryant Jr., and fifth-round draft pick Robert Beal Jr.
The 49ers appreciate that Javon Kinlaw has been healthy since the offseason and has participated in more practices than at any other point in his career. If he’s the third tackle behind Hargrave and Arik Armstead, we’ll find out how much they like him. Kinlaw is not a lock for the roster if he has fallen behind T.Y. McGill or Kevin Givens.
Linebacker
Because of Oren Burks’ knee injury, Warner and Greenlaw now have a third linebacker. Jalen Graham and Dee Winters have had their moments, as have Demetrius Flanigan-Fowles and Marcelino McCrary-Ball.
Brian Schneider, special teams coordinator, will advocate for whichever reserve linebackers he can use on Sundays.
Secondary
Despite some reshuffling at corner in recent practices, Ward and Deommodore Lenoir on the outside with Isaiah Oliver in the slot remain the best bet. Ambry Thomas, who was running with the first team after showing up in a better mental and physical state, has missed the last two practices with no apparent injury, while Samuel Womack IV appears to be on more solid ground.
D’Shawn Jamison, an undrafted rookie, is worth keeping around, whether he’s on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Ji’Ayr Brown, a third-round pick, should see time at safety alongside Tashaun Gipson Jr. and Hufanga. Myles Hartsfield was with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks in Carolina, and George Odum is a key special teams player.
