6 49ers who improved roster chances in preseason win vs. Chiefs
By Peter Panacy
![KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 24: Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. #41 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball during the second half of a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 24: Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. #41 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball during the second half of a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e879be125877bf3aaece6849ad60df8fb6f7eb6db263b5becd7d338a9e826517.jpg)
No. 4: Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews
Earlier this offseason, veteran wide receiver Jordan Matthews looked to be on the strong side of the roster bubble, especially after he had such an impressive effort during organized team activities.
But he wasn’t on too many training camp practice recaps, which isn’t good news, and he managed just one catch on two targets during San Francisco’s first two preseason games. Not good either.
Kyle Shanahan gave Matthews a ringing endorsement ahead of Saturday’s game, however, and the 27 year old finally made a notable impact against the Chiefs backups later in the contest, hauling in two passes for 33 yards. He would have had another one, too, had backup quarterback Nick Mullens not overthrown Matthews on what could have been a wide-open catch-and-run touchdown play.
Like their situation along their defensive line, the 49ers are awfully deep at wide receiver. Yet many of the cast members here are on the younger side, consisting largely of first- and second-year players.
Having some veteran savvy could be a good thing, and Matthews certainly offers it.
He definitely didn’t hurt his roster chances Saturday night.