49ers vs. Chargers: 5 players who need a strong game to stay on roster

No. 4: 49ers Offensive Lineman Jake Brendel

This might not be overly exciting. But considering the 49ers have only one true center on the roster to back up the starter, Alex Mack, it could be vitally important.

Jake Brendel is currently that reserve, and he got the start against Kansas City last weekend.

For the most part, Brendel accounted for himself well enough against a first-string Chiefs defense over the first quarter, logging 37 snaps in the process. He wasn’t credited for allowing any pressures, even though the bulk of the Niners’ makeshift offensive line — minus Mack and left tackle Trent Williams — experienced plenty of headaches over the course of the game.

That said, San Francisco also experimented with another backup lineman, Dakoda Shepley, who saw almost as many snaps as Brendel (36) and also wasn’t credited with allowing any pressures or sacks during his on-field efforts.

Granted, both players should be on the fringes of the roster anyway. And some feel that presumed starting right guard Daniel Brunskill would be the de facto fill-in for Mack, should the latter suffer some kind of injury.

Perhaps. But Kyle Shanahan doesn’t typically shift his O-linemen around in the wake of an injury, citing the preference to avoid downgrading at multiple positions.

With Brendel seeing plenty of time with the second-team unit throughout camp and one week of preseason football, a strong game against the Chargers should help him ensure he retains a roster spot.