The San Francisco 49ers put up 41 points against the Los Angeles Chargers in their second preseason game, but the scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story. Even in a game that looked like a clear win for the roster overall, a few players took a step backward.
Robert Jones was one of the biggest losers. Rookie Carver Willis got the start at left guard, and that alone changed the picture for Jones, who had started the preseason opener and had been getting plenty of first-team work in practice.
Jones also didn’t play against the Chargers because Kyle Shanahan said he has an undisclosed injury. He’ll likely miss the preseason finale, too.
With Willis getting a longer look and Jones sidelined, the hit to his stock was a major one.
Jordan James also saw his standing fade. He’s missed so much time because of a fractured rib that he’s letting other backs move ahead of him.
Rookie Kaelon Black impressed against the Chargers, and Sincere McCormick did as well. At this point, James looks far behind both of them.
If McCormick puts together another strong showing, James will be stuck as the No. 4 running back.
Tatum Bethune’s situation is just as telling. He was on the field in the fourth quarter of a preseason game, which is never a great sign for someone who has already started before.
Fred Warner being out explained the start, but Bethune has still shown he can play like a starter. The issue, at least in this scheme, is that he’s not being treated like one.
The pecking order appears to have Garrett Wallow ahead of Bethune, just as Jaden Dugger seems to be ahead of Nick Martin.
There was also a mixed night for Watkins. He came through with a big touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, but that couldn’t erase a dropped pass from Mac Jones that should have been a touchdown before halftime. A clean grab on that play would have meant far more for him, especially since first-half production carries more weight than what happens later.
Stribling’s night had a similar feel. His stock isn’t really down overall, but the dropped touchdown pass was too glaring to ignore.
Mac Jones delivered a perfect ball, and Stribling had a chance to walk into the end zone. Instead, he missed it badly.
If he’s going to get credit for strong hands and tough catches on short routes, then a play like that is going to stand out all the more.
In Other News...
49ers Roster Battle Took A Turn During This Preseason Blowout
The 49ers turned a preseason blowout into a long look at the bottom of the roster, and the game quickly became more about auditions than the score. Brock Purdy played briefly before giving way, San Francisco was up 20-3 by halftime and stretched the margin to 41-9 in the second half, opening the door for a cluster of rookies and fringe players to get extended snaps in a live setting.
Jacob Cowing, DeZhaun Stribling, Kaelon Black, Carver Willis, Austen Pleasants and Jalen Stroman all saw meaningful action, with the results mixed as the staff sorted through a crowded roster battle. Adrian Martinez handled the second half and left a little bit of everything on the tape, including a pick-six, but also a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown as the 49ers kept the scoreboard moving while the evaluation window stayed wide open. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Injury Pileup Is Raising New Concerns Before Week 1
The 49ers left their preseason game against the Chargers with more than just the usual August bruises. Guard Austen Pleasants was ruled out with a knee injury, and rookie cornerback Renardo Green also left the contest and was questionable to return before ultimately not coming back. For a team trying to get through camp healthy and ready for Week 1, those are the kinds of exits that can linger well beyond one exhibition game.
Kyle Shanahans update on the defensive front added another layer to the concern, even if it came with some cautious optimism. He said Nick Bosa is making progress, while Mykel Williams is still trending toward missing the season opener. With the regular season approaching, the 49ers are once again navigating the uncomfortable mix of waiting, monitoring, and hoping the injury report does not keep growing. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Facing Uncomfortable Roster Calls As Two Camp Battles Intensify
The 49ers are moving deeper into preseason evaluation mode, and a couple of roster questions are starting to feel less like camp chatter and more like decisions the front office may have to live with. Christian McCaffrey remains part of the bigger picture, but the more immediate pressure is on players such as Kirk and Colby, whose place on the roster now depends on how the team weighs performance, health, and fit as August unfolds.
Kirks case has become especially tricky because the injury interruptions have stacked up alongside a dip in production, which puts him in the middle of a real cut conversation rather than a routine depth chart debate. Colby, meanwhile, is fighting a different kind of battle, one centered on the starting guard job and the sort of interior competition Kyle Shanahan and Chris Foerster tend to use as a true test of who can hold up when the pads come on. [Read more 🡒]