Niner Noise
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5 49ers with the most to gain in preseason Week 1 vs. Cowboys

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Tarvarus McFadden #33 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers one the game 24-21. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Tarvarus McFadden #33 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers one the game 24-21. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on between plays during the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on between plays during the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourne

Like Ross Dwelley, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was squarely on the roster bubble heading into training camp.

Despite being San Francisco’s leading wide receiver in 2018 with 487 yards, the fact the 49ers brought aboard veteran wideout Jordan Matthews through free agency during the offseason didn’t bode well for Bourne’s chances in 2019.

Matthews was certainly hot during OTAs, but Bourne has been the better receiver during training camp.

It’s possible the added competition has polished Bourne, the undrafted third-year pro out of Eastern Washington, making him a more-rounded product and giving him a better chance to impact the offense this season.

Currently, Bourne is listed as the No. 3 boundary wide receiver on the Niners’ unofficial depth chart versus Dallas. While Kyle Shanahan doesn’t have to stick to this at all, particularly during the preseason, it’s interesting to note Bourne likely matches up against Cowboys defensive backs higher up on their own depth chart.

That bodes well for Bourne, not just in terms of his roster chances, but also his placement on the depth chart, too.

Next. 5 notable takeaways from 49ers' first depth chart release. dark

The 49ers and Cowboys kick off for Week 1 of the 2019 preseason on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 9 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.