49ers biggest winners, losers halfway through 2019 NFL preseason

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos strips the football away from quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of a preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Loser: Quarterback C.J. Beathard

Just like both backup quarterbacks’ efforts in Week 1 of the preseason against the Cowboys, no one between Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard stood out in a big way in Denver.

But Kyle Shanahan gave Beathard the lion’s share of snaps, which lasted over two quarters and into the fourth, when Mullens finally entered the game.

As far as Beathard’s line? Well, a mere 5-of-11 for 81 yards. And like what has happened so often in the third-year pro’s career, Beathard endured yet another strip-sack fumble, this one off the efforts of Broncos EDGE Bradley Chubb:

https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/1163620278661988358

Beathard might not be losing the competition to Mullens outright. Neither quarterback has seemingly taken a huge stride over the other to back up Jimmy Garoppolo.

But the problem for Beathard, especially considering all the reasons why Mullens should win this bout, is the former needs to wholly outplay the former undrafted free agent this preseason to secure the No. 2 bid.

So far, Beathard isn’t doing anything remotely close to achieving this, which puts his status to remain with the 49ers in serious jeopardy this season.