3 winners and 3 losers from 49ers' preseason Week 2 win vs. Saints

Though Sunday's preseason Week 2 game had little importance or bearing on the upcoming regular season for the San Francisco 49ers, the 16-10 victory against the New Orleans Saints served its purpose.

At Levi's Stadium, quarterback Brock Purdy took reps during the opening series, followed by two more, yet his efforts didn't exactly jump off the page. Other names on the squad shined while a few of them had their light dimmed.

As many of these athletes are scrapping to make the final 53-man roster, not every position is set in stone.

As the Niners were ultimatelyvictorious, we take a look at some of the winners and losers.

Winner: WR Jacob Cowing

The rookie Jacob Cowing impressed in what was his first preseason action after being sidelined with an injury during San Francisco's exhibition opener the week prior. As first-round pick, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, has missed time due to injury, and the current contract dispute with fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk, Cowing showed up big against the Saints.

Cowing caught the ball four times and collected 51 yards while doing so. The biggest one in the game for him was a 38-yard reception.

He was targeted five times and also rushed the ball once, netting 19 yards in the process. Cowing's play down the field help extend the chains for the 49ers' offense.

Cowing was also used twice during the punt-return game. Between both snags, he tallied 19 yards including a 13-yard return.

The former Arizona Wildcat may not have elevated himself to starter status for San Francisco. However, he gives head coach Kyle Shanahan another capable weapon on offense.

Loser: 49ers offensive line

Though it was not a terrible game for the 49ers' front line on offense, it was not a strong showing, either. This unit allowed the Saints to record two sacks and plenty of quarterback pressures.

Currently, there are multiple players on the offensive line who are banged up. Trent Williams has been out while guards Jon Feliciano, Spencer Burford and Aaron Banks were listed with injuries, too.

New Orleans' defense was able to get to the quarterback on at least five hits, including two from former 49er Chase Young. Aside from Cowing's 19-yard run and the 25 yards accumulated from backup quarterback Josh Dobbs, the 49ers did not create a lot of holes for their own run game.

San Francisco may have finished with 93 yards rushing, but almost 48 percent of those came from Cowing and Dobbs. If the 49ers are to be successful during the 17 games the regular season has to offer, the O-line must protect the quarterback and open up paths for the running backs.