The San Francisco 49ers will use their preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night not as a traditional dress rehearsal, but as a final evaluation period for players on the roster bubble. With more than 20 players absent due to various ailments leading up to their last training camp practice, coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the game will serve primarily to assess players competing for the final spots on the 53-man roster.
The team must finalize its roster by Sunday afternoon, making this matchup critical for determining who secures a place on the team. Several players who have demonstrated potential throughout camp may see extended playing time, offering a glimpse into their readiness and the team's depth.
Left Guard Competition
A significant position battle remains at left guard, narrowed down to rookie Carver Willis and second-year player Connor Colby. While Willis has seen increased first-team reps in practice, he faced challenges in recent drills. Colby, who started six games last season, has not fully capitalized on his opportunities. The team also expects injured competitors Austen Pleasants and Robert Jones to travel with the team to Australia, suggesting they are nearing a return.
Depth at Wide Receiver and Offensive Tackle
The 49ers are also evaluating depth at wide receiver, with players like Jordan Watkins, Will Pauline, KhaDarel Hodge, Malik Turner, Trenton Irwin, and Wesley Grimes vying for spots potentially impacted by veteran Christian Kirk's injury. Kirk, along with offensive tackle Vederian Lowe, are candidates for injured reserve with an expected return designation after suffering injuries early in camp. The absence of Lowe places an increased emphasis on rookie Enrique Cruz Jr., who may be called upon to provide backup swing tackle duties if starting tackles Trent Williams or Colton McKivitz are unavailable.
Linebacker and Defensive Line Evaluations
In the linebacking corps, rookie Jaden Dugger is a likely candidate to play as he fits the team's new defensive scheme. Beyond Dugger, the position presents several complex decisions. Larry Worth III and Garret Wallow have shown promise, while Pro Bowl special teamer Luke Gifford has been sidelined by injury. The recent acquisition of former Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones, who previously played under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, adds another layer to the linebacker situation. Jones made his practice debut and his participation in the preseason finale remains uncertain.
Undrafted free agent James Thompson Jr. has emerged as a notable storyline during training camp, exceeding expectations at defensive tackle. His performance in the final preseason game could be instrumental in securing a spot on the 53-man roster.