Chargers vs. 49ers: Previewing Preseason Week 4 for San Francisco

49ers competitions and players to watch

Wide Receiver

Wideouts Garcon, Goodwin, Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis are roster locks, leaving five realistic candidates for two, or potentially three open roster spots. Kendrick Bourne is a favorite of the coaching staff, but didn’t help his case last week after failing to haul in a potential touchdown pass on fourth down. Rookie Richie James will be hard to cut after catching the game-winner in Week 1 and leading the team in receiving in Week 3. Robinson has been quiet over the preseason outside of two long receptions, while Aaron Burbridge caught a single preseason pass before injuring his hamstring, but could make the team as a special-teamer. The 49ers may choose to retain Victor Bolden as wideout insurance during his four-game suspension.

Running Back

With Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida locked into significant roles, Alfred Morris has a leg up on the competition for the team’s third running back spot after his 84-yard rushing performance against the Colts. Raheem Mostert did nothing offensively last week — dropping his lone pass attempt — but may make the squad based on his role on special teams. Jeremy McNichols and Jeff Wilson are also in the running for a final roster spot, while Joe Williams may be inactive today, and could potentially end up on injured reserve for the second straight season.

Tight End

After last week’s horrendous performance by the 49ers’ tight ends, which included multiple dropped passes in key situations, the Niners’ brass will likely take a hard look at the group tonight. After George Kittle and Garrett Celek, Cole Hikutini and Cole Wick are currently listed as the team’s third-string tight ends, followed by Ross Dwelley and Wes Saxton. The 49ers will most likely keep three players at the position.