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Chargers vs. 49ers: The good, bad & ugly from Niners’ 2018 preseason finale

By Peter Panacy

Uchenna Nwosu #58 of the Los Angeles Chargers sacks C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Uchenna Nwosu #58 of the Los Angeles Chargers sacks C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 30: Geno Smith #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their preseason game at Levi’s Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 30: Geno Smith #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their preseason game at Levi’s Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Bad

While both Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster were dominant in their on-field play Thursday night, one has to question the decision-making process from head coach Kyle Shanahan to give both extended field time.

Especially after just clearing concussion protocols and Foster’s notable injury history.

That could have been a bad move, had one of the two suffered a serious injury during the game. They didn’t, however, so there’s no foul for a lack of harm.

Starting Defense

Even with Thomas and Foster on the field, the Niners struggled to contain Los Angeles’ second-string starting offense on the first drive of the game. With quarterback Geno Smith under center, the Chargers managed a 12-play, 57-yard drive that ultimately culminated in just a field goal. But L.A. was able to muster a key third-down conversion on a Smith scramble right up the middle.

That drive marked the third time this preseason in which 49ers opponents led off their offensive attack with a score.

Cole Hikutini

Late in training camp, it was looking as if second-year pro tight end Cole Hikutini was a lock to make the No. 3 spot on the regular-season depth chart. But drops and some blocking woes could negate that.

So could the number of snaps Hikutini saw on Thursday, which were also marked with more drops and poor blocking:

It’s looking as if Hikutini played himself out of a roster spot this preseason.

Darrrell Williams Jr.

Like Hikutini, offensive lineman Darrell Williams Jr. stood a good shot to crack the back end of the 53-man roster this season.

He got the start at left tackle but allowed two sacks and multiple quarterback hurries throughout the game. With swing tackle Garry Gilliam looking to come back from a preseason concussion suffered earlier this month, it’s looking as if Williams’ best shot to stick around will be on the practice squad.