San Francisco 49ers: 3 Players fighting for roster spots vs. Chargers

The San Francisco 49ers have tough 53-man roster decisions looming and these players can still earn a spot in the final preseason game vs. the Chargers.

After things looked bleak for the San Francisco 49ers after Jimmy Garoppolo‘s return in Week 2 of the preseason and his abysmal performance, the offense bounced back in the third exhibition contest. Garoppolo looked strong and reasserted the feeling of optimism around Kyle Shanahan’s team as they 2019 regular season approaches.

Before that, though, the 49ers must sort out the rest of their 53-man roster. There are few questions as to who the starters are going to be in San Francisco on either side of the ball. But any team that wants to be in playoff contention must have quality depth throughout their roster.

That’s where the final game of the preseason, a matchup with the Chargers at Levi’s Stadium, becomes so crucial. The Niners will get to see the bottom half of the current 90-man roster in action as these players try to prove themselves worthy of being on the right side of the cut line come Aug. 31 at 4:00 p.m. ET

With that in mind, these three San Francisco 49ers are ones among those that need to have a big week against Los Angeles on Thursday night.

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3. Adrian Colbert, S

Last season, 2017 seventh-round pick Adrian Colbert played a key role for San Francisco’s secondary. As such, he seemed in line to be the starting free safety in the 2019 season. Things have changed throughout training camp and the preseason, however. Not only have Jacquiski Tartt and Tarvarius Moore outplayed Colbert and likely usurped him, they’ve done so pretty clearly.

Colbert’s preseason has been quite bad. He was ejected in the first exhibition game and then missed Week 3 with an injury. Given that and the strong performances of his peers at the position, things are dicey as to if he’ll make the final cut. If he’s going to, Colbert must acquit himself well against the Chargers.

2. Kendrick Bourne, WR

In the injury-riddled 2018 season, Kendrick Bourne was actually the 49ers leading wide receiver, even if he only totaled a meager 487 yards. He clearly has a role to play in an NFL offense but that offense might not be in San Francisco. The additions of second-round pick Deebo Samuel and third-rounder Jalen Hurd have crowded the wide receiver room, potentially pushing Bourne out.

Bourne’s fate isn’t certain heading into the fourth week of preseason action. However, he must prove himself worthy of being on the 53-man roster. That means that the former undrafted wide receiver needs to showcase his skills and have a productive night against the Chargers backup defensive backs.

1. Damontre Moore, DL

On paper, the defensive line should be one of the deepest groups on the 49ers roster, particularly in regards to pass rushers with the offseason additions of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. However, Bosa’s injury and the fact that Kentavius Street may go on season-ending IR has lessened the depth there. Subsequently, Damontre Moore may have his window of opportunity.

Moore has been impressive throughout the preseason to this point but seemed to be lost in the numbers game previously. With the way things have shaken out now, though, he may be close to a lock to make the final roster. To be sure of that, though, the veteran needs to make a strong showing in the final game of the preseason.