Head coach Kyle Shanahan already told reporters he didn't plan on playing too many of the San Francisco 49ers' starters when his squad travels to take on the Las Vegas Raiders for the third and final week of the preseason.
It might be a smart idea. With the Niners already dealing with a littany of injuries, preserving his best for the games that actually matter seems like a smart idea.
Speaking of games that matter, Week 3 of the preseason does matter for several San Francisco players who are desperately hoping they can snag one of the remaining few spots on what'll be the opening 53-man roster for the regular season.
Tepid performances would assuredly mean being cut, while standing out could go a long way toward occuping a spot on the depth chart when Week 1 rolls around.
Here are five such players worth watching.
5 Niners who can secure a spot on 53-man roster vs. Raiders
LB Deion Jones
The 49ers only traded for Deion Jones a short while ago, but one can't help but think coordinator Raheem Morris had a say in that after the two worked together with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Niners' linebacker room is crowded behind Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, yes. But with backups like Nick Martin and Luke Gifford banged up, combined with both Warner and Greenlaw coming off injury-plagued seasons, San Francisco might be pressed into keeping Jones around a little longer than expected.
Should he ball out against Vegas, it'd go a long way.
WR Jordan Watkins
Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling has been the 49ers' star wide receiver this preseason, but that shouldn't overshadow the job second-year pro Jordan Watkins, too, has done.
Originally seen as being in serious danger of missing out on a roster spot, thanks to a revamped and overcrowded wide receiver room, Watkins has since made his case to be included on one of the final six or seven spots on Shanahan's receiving depth chart.
Fellow wideout Jacob Cowing missing time with injury helps, but Watkins can finalize a spot on his own accord with what'd be his third exemplary exhibition outing in a row.
S Ashtyn Davis
Ashtyn Davis seemed like a realistic option to make the roster despite being so late a signing this offseason. Considering the Niners did little earlier to address the safety room, it made sense. Amid Malik Mustapha's current injury, it makes even more.
Second-year pro Marques Sigle hasn't looked great this preseason, meaning Morris might opt to retain a veteran presence like Davis, especially if the latter provides a solid impact Thursday night.
CB Jack Jones
Renardo Green being out with an injury opened up the door for Jack Jones to get some extended looks last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. After regularly logging practice interceptions during training camp, Jones seems like a strong bet to make the 53-man roster out of the gate.
San Francisco already has Green, Deommodore Lenoir and Upton Stout carved into the top three spots on the depth chart. Behind them, it's trickier. Rookie Ephesians Prysock, who's been impressive thus far, is in good position. And the fringe-ish Darrell Luter Jr. always seems to be in the conversation, too.
Perhaps Jones finally bumps Luter from the roster.
DB Siran Neal
Now 32 years old, Siran Neal is ancient for a defensive back. And given the younger bodies around him within the secondary, it'd make sense to finally phase him out after spending last year with the 49ers, exclusively playing on special teams.
But Neal has versatility—experienced at cornerback and at safety, and that flexibility can go a long way toward occupying a key depth spot on the roster.
Combine that with special teams prowess, which is always valuable for backups, Neal could prove he still very much belongs by impressing enough in the preseason finale.
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