A few roster questions remain
Preseason finale comes just before cuts
SANTA CLARA >> Kyle Shanahan was “as happy as anybody on the planet” when the NFL preseason got shortened.
That’s because “I’ve lost too many guys that game just trying to get through it,” Shanahan said of the extinct fourth and final exhibition.
That danger still holds true today when the 49ers play their third and final preseason game, with the Raiders visiting Levi’s Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
Jimmy Garoppolo will start at quarterback for the 49ers and Shanahan said the plan is for the starting unit to play the first half but could have a shorter shift if enough is accomplished early in the second quarter. In last Sunday’s preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Garoppolo played all 15 snaps in the opening series, then was replaced by rookie Trey Lance, who played into the third quarter and led a 15-10 comeback win.
Defensive end Nick Bosa, making impressive strides coming back from knee surgery, isn’t expected to play.
Only a few roster spots remain open, though injuries could create chaos and second lives ahead of Tuesday’s deadline for a 53-man roster.
Here is how I see that unit looking with 52 players, leaving a single vacancy for a veteran castoff from elsewhere:
QUARTERBACKS (2) Jimmy Garoppolo Trey Lance
ON THE BUBBLE >> Nate Sudfeld ANALYSIS >> Garoppolo is healthy, experienced and willing to adapt to Lance’s cameos, for now. A fascinating dynamic is at play. Doubling down on two quarterbacks is smart for a 20-game march to Super Bowl LVII.
RUNNING BACKS (5)
Raheem Mostert
Trey Sermon
Wayne Gallman Jr.
Elijah Mitchell
Kyle Juszczyk (FB)
ON THE BUBBLE >> JaMycal Hasty ANALYSIS >> They might keep only three running backs but Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) won’t be activated until late October. Gallman might be most reliable in pass protection, and Hasty could be just the typical 49ers’ preseason mule. Mitchell showed enough burst before an abductor injury that he’s a sixth-round pick worth keeping.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6)
Brandon Aiyuk
Deebo Samuel Mohamed Sanu Sr.
Trent Sherfield
Jauan Jennings
Travis Benjamin
ON THE BUBBLE >> Jalen Hurd, Nsimba Webster
ANALYSIS >> The only locks are Aiyuk, Samuel and Sherfield but Sanu started camp hot and is a muchneeded veteran leader. Jennings (heel) could keep him hidden. Hurd is the big mystery, as usual, but hasn’t done enough to merit a third year on scholarship, so a big outing (if he even plays) could validate the 49ers brass’ belief in him. Richie James is out with a knee injury, so Benjamin’s receiving experience helps him nudge out out Webster for a returnspecialist role, too.
TIGHT END (3)
George Kittle
Ross Dwelley
Charlie Woerner
ON THE BUBBLE >> Jordan Matthews, MyCole Pruitt
ANALYSIS >> It would behoove all if Matthews returns in one of the practice squad’s six veteran spots, so he can further his conversion from wide receiver.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
Trent Williams
Laken Tomlinson
Alex Mack
Daniel Brunskill
Mike McGlinchey
Aaron Banks
Jaylon Moore
Colton McKivitz
Jake Brendel
ON THE BUBBLE >> Shon Coleman ANALYSIS >> The 49ers’ attachment to their own draft choices will keep McKivitz (2020 fifth round) in place ahead of Coleman, who’s experienced at tackle but has been an injury liability.
DEFENSIVE LINE (10)
Nick Bosa
Dee Ford
Samson Ebukam
Arik Armstead
D.J. Jones
Javon Kinlaw
Kentavius Street
Kevin Givens
Zach Kerr
Arden Key
ON THE BUBBLE >> Darrion Daniels, Mo Hurst
ANALYSIS >> Jordan Willis is suspended the first six games, and Hurst
is likely out just as long with a high ankle sprain, so this deep unit carries an extra man or two.
LINEBACKERS (5)
Fred Warner
Dre Greenlaw
Azeez Al-Shaair
Marcell Harris Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
ON THE BUBBLE >> Jonas Griffith ANALYSIS >> Harris’ ball-hawking nature has shown in his conversion from safety. Rookies Justin Hilliard and/or Elijah Sullivan should land on the practice squad.
CORNERBACKS (5)
Jason Verrett Emmanuel Moseley K’Waun Williams Deommodore Lenoir Ambry Thomas
ON THE BUBBLE >> Dontae Johnson ANALYSIS >> Johnson’s experience and special-teams knowledge could keep this 2014 draft pick in the fold. Lenoir is their top backup at any cornerback spot, unless he starts over Moseley. Verrett’s recently disclosed foot issue also could keep Johnson aboard.
SAFETY (4)
Jimmie Ward
Jaquiski Tartt
Talanoa Hufanga
Tavon Wilson
ON THE BUBBLE >> Ha Ha Clinton-Dix ANALYSIS >> Clinton-Dix has impressed over two weeks but he won’t start and may not fit into their special-teams needs. He stays if Tartt’s toe doesn’t allow a comeback.
SPECIALISTS (3)
Robbie Gould
Mitch Wishnowsky
Taybor Pepper
ON THE BUBBLE >> none
ANALYSIS >> After Robbie Gould clanked point-after attempts off the upright in each preseason game, special teams coordinator Richard Hightower still has his back, saying: “I have all the confidence in the world of him. We’re very fortunate to have him. He’s one of the best kickers in the game.”