After three days of practices this week, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to rest many of their starters for Saturday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Kyle Shanahan is aiming to reduce the risk of any events during the game that could influence final decisions for the team’s 53-man roster.
All National Football League teams are required to trim their rosters from 90 players to 53 by Tuesday at 1 p.m. According to Shanahan, he and general manager John Lynch are in ongoing discussions about roster scenarios as they prepare for the start of the regular season, which begins on Sunday, Sept. 7 at Seattle.
“It’s a really complicated thing that we really can’t talk about enough because it’s always changing each day, and it will be all the way up to when we make that decision,” said Shanahan. “Even after we make that decision, we’ll have to do that all the way until the Friday or Saturday of that game, also.”
Several notable players such as Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner are among those likely not playing in this preseason game. The team plans to focus on younger athletes and those competing for remaining roster spots or assignments to the practice squad.
Among those under observation is Junior Bergen, a seventh-round draft pick who may fill a key role as return specialist due in part to Jacob Cowing’s hamstring injury. Skyy Moore is anticipated to play after being acquired via trade from Kansas City; Lynch mentioned Moore’s potential value as both receiver depth and in returns.
Nick Martin will look to build on last week’s improved performance as linebacker following early challenges in previous games. Running back Jeff Wilson competes for a spot on the depth chart behind McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo amid injuries and moves within the group.
Finally, kicker Jake Moody continues his effort towards consistency following variable results earlier in preseason play.
The outcome of these evaluations will help determine how San Francisco shapes its roster ahead of opening week.
