49ers vs. Chargers: These 3 players just earned a roster spot in preseason finale

49ers Player No. 1: WR Chris Conley

We start with a player who may actually get cut on cutdown day, although by Week 1, it is almost a guarantee Chris Conley will be on the 53-man roster.

His cut would be a procedural move, meant to get a player onto the roster and then place on Injured Reserve before re-signing Conley.

Conley's placement on the roster, though, is equal parts opportunity and performance.

With the injuries to fellow wideouts Ray-Ray McCloud and Danny Gray, Conley had an inside track to being wide receiver depth, but he's gone out and earned the opportunity. He had a great catch against the Chargers, showing how he could conceivably replace Gray in a few shot plays.

With plays like that, Conley will be active in Week 1 in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.