If joint practices between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers should be any indication, the Bolts will likely run circles around the Niners when the two teams square off for Week 2 of the preseason on Thursday, Aug. 20, from SoFI Stadium.
L.A. seemed to have its way with head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad, particularly its offense going up against coordinator Raheem Morris' defense, and there could be some worry if Los Angeles outplays the bulk of Shanahan's first- and second-team units in a ramped-up exhibition showdown.
That said, it's still the preseason. There's no serious game-planning effort, and neither coaching staff cares much about the score.
For many of the players, though, it's a proving ground that may determine roles on the depth chart, or in some cases, whether or not said players even make the cut and onto the initial 53-man roster ahead of the regular season.
These five, in particular, should command a lot of attention.
5 Niners who have a lot on the line in preseason bout vs. Chargers
No. 1: QB Mac Jones
Several reports state Mac Jones isn't having the best training camp, especially compared to last year. After sitting out San Francisco's exhibition opener a week ago, Jones is all but ensured some field time, particularly with second-year quarterback Kurtis Rourke nursing a ribs injury.
Jones, poised to back up Brock Purdy again in 2026, needs to boost his market value in whatever way this year before hitting free agency in 2027, and the preseason might be the only guaranteed way to do it.
If QB2 plays well against a Chargers defense that's shaping up to be pretty good this season, it'll be a major step in that direction.
No. 2: OL Enrique Cruz Jr.
Enrique Cruz Jr., the 49ers' fifth-round rookie, has had a terrible camp, and his exhibition debut against the Tennessee Titans did little to change that outlook.
The Niners likely see Cruz now as no more than a long-term developmental prospect, but they may not have the patience to string him along on even the 90-man camp roster between now and Week 1.
Another awful showing against the Bolts could prematurely end Cruz's tenure with San Francisco.
No. 3: RB Kaelon Black
After missing nearly two weeks with an adductor injury, rookie Kaelon Black finally returned to practice against L.A. and enjoyed some positive moments.
This was Kaelon Black’s longest run of the day. Denzel Perryman (6) might have gotten him after a short gain. Black, however, seemed to think he would have broken the tackle. pic.twitter.com/VZCFVC7Jtk
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 18, 2026
Considered by many to be overdrafted when the 49ers selected him in Round 3, Black certainly has the proverbial chip on his shoulder and should be eager to start the process of proving his doubters wrong.
Beyond that, Black could effectively secure the No. 2 role behind Christian McCaffrey with an impressive outing this Thursday night, particularly in light of the numerous injuries the Niners are dealing with at his position.
No. 4: LB Nick Martin
After a frustrating rookie campaign a year ago, Nick Martin's on-field presence late into preseason Week 1's game against Tennessee probably wasn't too big a shock. San Francisco might subtly be shopping him for a trade, or at the very least, determining whether or not he's showing any signs of positive growth—aspects helping determine whether he's worth a roster spot.
For now, it seems linebackers Tatum Bethune and Jaden Dugger have both surpassed Martin on the depth chart, meaning the latter is already forced to climb out of a hole to save his job.
Depending on how Martin performs against Los Angeles might be a final indicator of his 49ers future.
No. 5: WR Jordan Watkins
While there was no shortage of buzz surrounding rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling a week ago, those efforts largely overshadowed another wideout, second-year pro Jordan Watkins, who hauled in six catches for 59 yards during the same bout.
The back end of the Niners' receiving depth chart is provocative with Watkins attempting to fight of several names, including Jacob Cowing, Demarcus Robinson, Christian Kirk, Will Pauling and others.
Watkins might've been something of an afterthought after injuries largely got in the way of his rookie season.
However, if he's able to back up his solid outing against Tennessee with another against the Chargers, Watkins likely puts himself into top contention for one of the final two positional spots on the 53-man roster.
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