49ers vs. Chargers: 5 matchups to watch for San Francisco in Week 4

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Linebacker Reuben Foster vs. Running Back Melvin Gordon

Linebacker Reuben Foster didn’t exactly have a great debut to his 2018 campaign after missing Weeks 1 and 2 with a suspension. He missed a whopping six tackles in Week 3 after missing a total of just 10 his rookie season, according to Pro Football Focus.

OK, shake the rust off. Maybe that’s it and nothing more.

While the Chargers passing game will likely wind up being the primary threat the 49ers face Sunday, Foster’s assignment on Los Angeles running back Melvin Gordon won’t be an easy one either.

Gordon, like the 49ers’ Matt Breida, is just as capable dual-threat tailback, capable of explosive run plays while acting as a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield for quarterback Philip Rivers.

Through three weeks, Gordon is actually tied for the Chargers’ lead in receptions (17), while his 144 receiving yards ranks third among all receiving targets.

He’s averaging a respectable 4.4 yards per rush too.

Anything going to the weak side of the Chargers offensive line winds up being Foster’s responsibility, which means he’ll have to negate what Gordon can do.