Advertisement

Where 49ers roster stands at each position going into final preseason game

Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) hurdles over Tennessee Titans defensive back Eric Garror (25) for a touchdown during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) hurdles over Tennessee Titans defensive back Eric Garror (25) for a touchdown during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers will wrap up their preseason slate Friday night against the Las Vegas Raiders.

That game will spell the end of the preseason, and then we can turn the page to the regular season. However, before the 49ers suit up to play the Jets in Week 1, they have to trim their roster to 53 players. Friday's game will play a key role in determining some of the coaching staff's decisions with their roster.

Even after a full offseason program, training camp, and a couple of preseason games, there are still question marks at each position for San Francisco. Here's a quick rundown of each position and where things stand going into the final week of the preseason:

Quarterback

Aug 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

There's no starting QB controversy this year. Brock Purdy has the starting job locked down. However, Josh Dobbs has turned the backup QB battle with Brandon Allen into a fascinating race. Allen had a leg up entering training camp because of his familiarity with the offense, but Dobbs has quickly picked things up after a slow start and they've played to a draw in two preseason games. Friday night may determine who QB2 is on game days.

Running back

Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey's calf injury is worth keeping a close eye on in the couple of weeks between the preseason finale and the season opener. There won't be a practice participation report until the Thursday leading up to Week 1. The rest of the depth chart has tons left to figure out. Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell are duking it out for the backup running back snaps. Fourth-round rookie Isaac Guerendo will debut vs. the Raiders, and he's trying to fend off undrafted rookie Cody Schrader for a potential fourth RB spot on the roster. Mitchell's future is a little murky if he is surpassed on the depth chart by Mason. If he's not RB2, the team may aim to move him and keep both Guerendo and Schrader, or veteran Patrick Taylor who has yet to play in the preseason.

Fullback

Jul 29, 2022; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) during training camp at the SAP Performance Facility near Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2022; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) during training camp at the SAP Performance Facility near Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Juszczyk is vibing.

Wide receiver

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Brandon Aiyuk situation still isn't resolved, which leaves plenty of questions surrounding the rest of the WR depth chart. Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings figure to spearhead the receiving corps. First-round pick Ricky Pearsall will be on the roster despite missing most of training camp and all of the preseason with hamstring and shoulder injuries. Fourth-round rookie Jacob Cowing also secured a roster spot with a stellar showing in his preseason debut. After that, Chris Conley is in the mix with Tay Martin, Ronnie Bell and Danny Gray for a roster spot. Aiyuk's status may ultimately determine what direction the 49ers lean at WR.

Tight end

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

There's a lot going on behind George Kittle on the depth chart. Eric Saubert, Brayden Willis and Jake Tonges are all jockeying for roster spots or playing time. Logan Thomas was re-signed ahead of the preseason finale as well which adds an extra layer of intrigue. Cameron Latu is on the outside looking in, but the 49ers still have four players battling for two or three roster spots in the preseason finale.

Offensive line

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Trent Williams contract situation looms large over this group. If he returns for the season opener, he'll line up with most of last year's starting offensive line. The one exception is rookie third-round pick Dominick Puni, who appears to have sewn up the starting right guard spot. Jaylon Moore looks in line to land the swing tackle job, and Nick Zakelj has made progress as a versatile interior OL option. With Jon Feliciano due to begin the season on IR because of a knee injury, the door is open for veterans Chris Hubbard, Brandon Parker and Spencer Burford to secure roster spots. Ben Bartch should also be in the mix, along with rookies Jarrett Kingston and Drake Nugent.

Defensive line

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 12: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a sack with Javon Hargrave #98 of the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 12: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a sack with Javon Hargrave #98 of the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Unfortunately for the 49ers there aren't many tough decisions to make on the defensive line. Their depth is lacking, particularly at defensive end where Nick Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos and Robert Beal all figure to be on the 53-man roster. There's not another DE who has stood out enough to make his way into that conversation. Defensive tackle Kalia Davis went down with a knee injury as well, and his absence from the group removes much of the decision-making for the 49ers coaching staff. Perhaps undrafted rookie Evan Anderson, or veterans Shakel Brown, T.Y. McGill and Alex Barrett can make a late push for a roster spot. That'll be worth keeping an eye on Friday evening.

Linebacker

Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Isaiah Spiller (28) runs with the ball during the second quarter against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jalen Graham (50) at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Isaiah Spiller (28) runs with the ball during the second quarter against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jalen Graham (50) at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

This group is loaded and may be worth watching closest in the final preseason game. San Francisco might keep six at this spot with Fred Warner and De'Vondre Campbell working as the two every-down players. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles appears to be the frontrunner for the starting Sam LB job. Even if the 49ers keep six LBs, that leaves three open spots for second-year LBs Jalen Graham and Dee Winters, rookie Tatum Bethune, and veteran Curtis Robinson to battle for. All four of those players bring a lot to the table. Figuring out which one or two to let go won't be an easy call.

Cornerback

Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green (31) stares into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green (31) stares into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

We can virtually copy and paste the linebacker situation here. Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir will be every-down players. Rookie second-round pick Renardo Green is in a battle with veteran Isaac Yiadom for the third CB job. That quartet should be on the 53-man roster. If San Francisco keeps six, there are two open spots for Samuel Womack, Darrell Luter Jr., Rock Ya-Sin and Chase Lucas. All four of them contribute in different ways defensively and on special teams. Friday may be key in determining how the secondary shakes out.

Safety

Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Talanoa Hufanga's health is the biggest question mark at safety entering the final week of the preseason. Ji'Ayir Brown acquitted himself well as a starting free safety. George Odum, usually a special teams ace, has done a nice job filling in for Hufanga on defense. They'll start if Hufanga can't go. Then fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha looks to be in line for a key special teams role with the potential to slot into a starting job if there's another injury at the position. Tayler Hawkins was let go before the preseason finale, leaving undrafted rookie Jaylen Mahoney and veteran Tracy Walker as the other two safeties. Both are practice squad candidates.

Specialists

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Mitch Wishnowsky #18 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball on a fake punt during the third quarter in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Mitch Wishnowsky #18 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball on a fake punt during the third quarter in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Pressley Harvin III has done the punting for the 49ers while Mitch Wishnowsky dealt with an injury. It looks like Wishnowsky is on pace to suit up for the season opener, which spells the end of Harvin's chances to sneak onto the team.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Where 49ers roster stands at each position going into final preseason game