49ers vs. Raiders: 5 players who desperately need strong preseason Week 3

The San Francisco 49ers will conclude their 2024 preseason on Friday with an away game against the Las Vegas Raiders. This final matchup provides head coach Kyle Shanahan a crucial opportunity to not only give his primary players a last-minute tune-up before the regular season but also to evaluate the remaining players vying for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Most starting positions are already secured, and the majority of the depth spots are fairly straightforward. However, about five or six roster positions remain undecided, making this final preseason game critical for those players on the bubble.

While many of the 90 players currently on the 49ers’ preseason roster are long shots to make the final cut, and a strong performance in this last game may not be enough to change that, there are several players who are on the fringe with a realistic chance of making the team. For these individuals, Friday night’s game in Las Vegas could be decisive.

No. 1: Linebacker Curtis Robinson

The linebacker corps is perhaps the deepest position group for the 49ers heading into the regular season, with several players competing for what could be the final spot in a group of six. Among the contenders are Tatum Bethune, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Dee Winters, Jalen Graham, and Curtis Robinson.

Robinson has been a reliable presence, primarily serving as a practice squad call-up over the past two seasons. This preseason, he has excelled, arguably standing out as the 49ers’ most dependable linebacker in the absence of Fred Warner and other starters. While rookie Bethune has shown promise, San Francisco might prioritize Robinson’s experience, potentially securing him a spot on the final roster.

No. 2: Offensive lineman Nick Zakelj

Over the past two years, offensive lineman Nick Zakelj has surprisingly made the 53-man roster despite facing significant challenges during training camp. However, with the addition of new linemen like rookies Dominick Puni and Jarrett Kingston, Zakelj’s position is less secure this year. San Francisco has given Zakelj starts in both of its first two preseason games, testing him at both center and guard positions.

Puni is now expected to start at right guard, while Spencer Burford appears set as a key interior backup. Zakelj and Kingston are likely competing for the last spot on the offensive line, with Zakelj having a slight edge if he performs well in Friday’s game.

No. 3: Wide receiver Trent Taylor

The 49ers brought back veteran wide receiver and return specialist Trent Taylor during the offseason, particularly after the departure of Ray-Ray McCloud, who was the team’s primary returner for the past two seasons. While Taylor has been a reliable target in the first two preseason games, recording five catches for 60 yards, he hasn’t made a significant impact.

San Francisco has also given opportunities to other return candidates, including rookie running back Cody Schrader, who may have a better chance of securing a roster spot than Taylor. With the wide receiver group already deep, especially if Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation is resolved before Week 1, Taylor faces stiff competition from other bubble players like Jacob Cowing, Tay Martin, Ronnie Bell, and Danny Gray.

No. 4: Running back Matt Breida

Similar to Taylor, the 49ers re-signed veteran running back Matt Breida to address depth concerns, especially with rookie Isaac Guerendo and All-Pro Christian McCaffrey missing time due to injuries. Now that Guerendo is back and McCaffrey is expected to be ready by Week 1, there are likely only two open spots on the depth chart.

Schrader is also competing for a spot, while Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell appear to have secured their positions. Breida, who has struggled with just 1.8 yards per carry and a fumble this preseason, needs to outshine Schrader to have any hope of making the team.

No. 5: Defensive end Alex Barrett

There’s a significant difference in talent between the 49ers’ starting defensive linemen and their backups, but several reserve players have shown they deserve a spot on the final roster, even if they aren’t well-known. Defensive end Alex Barrett is one of those players.

Like Robinson, Barrett has been a regular on the practice squad, occasionally being called up for games during his time with the 49ers. His performance in the 2024 preseason has been impressive, with seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Given the importance of pass-rushers, Barrett may have done enough to earn a spot on the roster, with his performance in the final preseason game potentially sealing the deal.

Final Considerations

As the 49ers prepare to make their final roster decisions, the outcome of the game against the Raiders will be crucial for these fringe players. Shanahan and his coaching staff will be closely watching to see who steps up in this high-pressure environment. With the regular season just around the corner, these final evaluations will play a key role in determining who makes the cut and who will be looking for a new team.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for those players fighting for their NFL careers. Friday night’s performance could be the difference between making the 53-man roster and facing the uncertainty of free agency. The 49ers have a talented roster, and these final decisions will shape the team as it heads into what promises to be a competitive and challenging season.