San Francisco 49ers Preseason: 5 Things to watch for vs. Vikings

The San Francisco 49ers take on the Minnesota Vikings in their penultimate preseason contest, here we break down five things to watch for.

The San Francisco 49ers face their third preseason game on Sunday when they take on the Vikings in Minnesota. Traditionally the penultimate preseason contest is seen as the dress rehearsal for the regular-season opener but, while this will be the final tune-up for the starters, there is also plenty at stake further down the depth chart.

Here are five things to watch from the 49ers perspective at US Bank Stadium.

5. C.J. Beathard’s Performance

Though he will again get the second-team reps against the Vikings, Kyle Shanahan has still refused to name Beathard as the definite No. 2 to Brian Hoyer over Matt Barkley. Shanahan’s explanation for Beathard’s extra time with the second string, per The Niners Wire, was that he has already seen what Barkley can do in the NFL.

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Beathard, though, has compiled an impressive resume through his first two preseason games, going 14-of-23 for 211 yards and three touchdowns. The former Iowa Hawkeye has looked poised and calm under pressure and another assured performance in Minnesota could see him lock up the backup spot.

4. A Bounce-Back Game for Hightower

Tim Hightower’s hopes of earning a place on the 53-man roster were surely dealt a blow by his showing versus the Broncos. The ex-New Orleans Saint was simply awful last weekend, running for negative yardage while coughing up a fumble and allowing a pressure that led to a Brian Hoyer fumble.

With Joe Williams and Matt Breida each having impressed in the opener with the Chiefs, Hightower’s position on the team appears in some jeopardy. A bounce-back game is needed from Hightower in order to keep himself in the conversation and possibly convince the Niners to carry four running backs.

3. Further Ascension for Magnuson

The 49ers need somebody to emerge on the offensive line to improve depth that looks extremely shaky. And the versatile Erik Magnuson looks like being the guy to do just that.

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Magnuson, who can play at the center and guard spots and has experience at tackle, was bumped up from the third-string to second for the Broncos game and stood out as a bright spot once again after a very strong display in the opener.

Shanahan, per NBC Sports Bay Area, was forced to play down the significance of Magnuson appearing to take some first-team reps this week. But while Magnuson seems some way from receiving starting action, if he maintains his impressive form, then the 49ers may find it hard to keep him off the roster.

2. Eli Harold’s First Game as Clear Starter

With Ahmad Brooks being cut on Friday, Eli Harold now looks to be the clear starter at the SAM linebacker position. Harold has been relatively quiet in preseason but the Vikings game provides his first opportunity to vindicate San Francisco’s decision to part with the vastly more experienced Brooks.

The former Virginia Cavalier should be filled with motivation to prove Shanahan and John Lynch right and the 49ers will hope a standout performance in Minnesota can be a precursor to a breakout year.

1. Can Lorenzo Jerome Lock Down Roster Spot?

Jimmie Ward is back to practice following a hamstring injury but will play no part in Minnesota, giving Lorenzo Jerome the chance to further build his case for a roster spot. The undrafted free agent out of St. Francis (PA) played all 36 snaps in the first half on defense versus Denver as he again filled in at Ward’s single-high free safety role.

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Along with strong safety Eric Reid, Jerome was extremely impressive against the Broncos, showing the instincts to find the football despite some previous questions about a perceived lack of athleticism. He has five tackles to his name so far in preseason and certainly looks to possess the ability to serve as Ward’s backup. Sunday provides him with a third opportunity to prove his worth.