Chargers vs. 49ers: Preseason starting lineup predictions for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
The San Francisco 49ers host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4 of the preseason, and the starting lineup will be interesting, to say the least. Let’s predict it, shall we?
Week 4 of any NFL preseason looks nothing like a regular-season game, and that will surely be the case for the San Francisco 49ers when they host the visiting Los Angeles Chargers on Aug. 30 at Levi’s Stadium.
The Niners are coming off a 23-17 exhibition loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Saturday, and that third week of games is generally viewed as the final tuneup in advance of the regular season, which kicks off Thursday, Sept. 6 between the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles.
Most teams, including the 49ers, will rest their starters and primary backups for this contest. For the many players participating in this final exhibition bout, they’re essentially competing for one of only a handful of remaining spots on the 53-man roster or a possible berth on the practice squad.
As for the remaining majority? Well, Thursday’s action will be the final NFL-like game they’ll ever play.
San Francisco already has a good deal of storylines riding on this final contest.
Injuries are a part of those stories, and head coach Kyle Shanahan (h/t 49ers Webzone) already told reporters defensive back Jimmie Ward (quad) and wide receivers Aaron Burbridge (hamstring) and Dante Pettis (knee) won’t be available for the contest.
With a number of other players needing work and those few roster spots up for grabs, let’s have some fun and predict what Shanahan’s starting lineup will be against L.A.
Offense
Quarterback: C.J. Beathard
Running back: Jeremy McNichols
Fullback: Malcolm Johnson
Wide receiver: Aldrick Robinson, Kendrick Bourne, Richie James (slot)
Tight end: Cole Hikutini
Offensive line: Pace Murphy, Joshua Garnett, J.P. Flynn, Jonathan Cooper, Garry Gilliam
Defense
Defensive line: Ronald Blair, Sheldon Day, D.J. Jones, Jullian Taylor
Linebacker: Korey Toomer, Fred Warner, Mark Nzeocha
Cornerback: Greg Mabin, Tarvarius Moore, D.J. Reed (nickel)
Safety: Antone Exum, Tyvis Powell
Shanahan also clarified C.J. Beathard, not Nick Mullens, would get the start at quarterback. Mullens has been something of a pleasant surprise for the 49ers this preseason, but he’s looking at a practice squad spot at best.
Kyle Shanahan Press Conference
Final preview of the preseason finale!
Posted by San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
On top of that, Shanahan noted the starting right guard position is Mike Person’s “to lose right now,” which is something of a shock after watching Joshua Garnett play relatively well the past two preseason bouts. It could be a means to light a bigger fire under Garnett in advance of the regular season. But one would expect the former Stanford product to see a few more reps early in Thursday’s contest.
San Francisco also inked former Humboldt State running back Ja’Quan Gardner Tuesday to bolster the offensive backfield. He likely won’t start, as that honor goes to Jeremy McNichols in this prediction.
Expect to see Gardner for a number of carries late in the second half, however.
Next. 5 49ers players to watch in preseason finale vs. Chargers. dark
The 49ers and Chargers kick off at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 30 from Levi’s Stadium. Rosters will then have to be trimmed down to 53 players the following day, Sept. 1, by 4 p.m. ET.