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Chargers vs. 49ers: 5 San Francisco players to watch in preseason finale

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 31: Austin Ekeler #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 31: Austin Ekeler #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JULY 30: Mike Person #78 and Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers participate in drills during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JULY 30: Mike Person #78 and Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers participate in drills during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Offensive Lineman Pace Murphy

Entering training camp, offensive lineman Pace Murphy would have been a long shot to make the 53-man roster at best.

Injuries have changed that projection, however, especially those to second-year lineman Erik Magnuson (hamstring) and the veteran, Garry Gilliam (concussion). Magnuson’s injury likely winds up with him landing on injured reserve to start the season, thereby allowing the 49ers to reactivate him after a period once healthy.

And after suffering his concussion during the Cowboys exhibition, Gilliam has yet to return to action as San Francisco’s primary swing tackle.

The 49ers have an adequate backup for all five offensive line positions, Mike Person, although he’ll likely be slated for interior duties.

Murphy, who has just two NFL regular-season games under his belt, could wind up being a reserve option to start Week 1 on the 53-man roster. At least until Magnuson and/or Gilliam returns.

O-line depth is critical to any team’s chances during the year, and Murphy has been a primary member of the second-string unit in relief of San Francisco’s starting offensive tackles.

Expect Murphy to get the start on Thursday.