Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers Stock Watch: Who’s Up and Down Midway through the 2016 Preseason?

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 9
Next
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian Ponder (5) passes over traffic in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers defeated the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian Ponder (5) passes over traffic in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers defeated the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up — Quarterback Christian Ponder

Talk about a sudden shift in life’s challenges.

Yes, quarterback Christian Ponder was literally painting his house when he received the call from the 49ers to join the team as a replacement for fellow QB Thad Lewis (knee).

And all Ponder did was go 7-of-8 for 86 yards and one touchdown, which amounted to a 151.0 passer rating.

Oh, and we can’t overlook his 22-yard touchdown scramble either.

This brings up an interesting situation. San Francisco has no clear answer under center, and the team isn’t going to start rookie QB Jeff Driskel. Not yet at least.

So it’s not surprising to see KNBR’s Kevin Jones suggest the 49ers keep Ponder as a legitimate option to start the season if, in case, fellow quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick don’t rise to the occasion.

But CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco (h/t 95.7 The Game) still feels as if Ponder’s chances of making the roster are slim to none.

At least Ponder is making a case for himself to stick around the NFL a little while longer.

Next: Stock Down: Blaine Gabbert