The San Francisco 49ers are back in action on Thursday, squaring off against the Los Angeles Chargers in their second preseason game, and while some starters, maybe even Brock Purdy, are expected to get reps, everyone’s eyes are locked on the younger players trying to prove they belong. After a joint practice earlier this week, the spotlight is now firmly on these guys to show what they’ve got before the real regular season grind kicks in.
Backfield Battles and Rookie Receivers Ready to Explode
Keep a laser focus on **Kaelon Black** in the backfield. The kid was sidelined for the first preseason game, missing two weeks with an adductor injury, but he’s back! Black was at practice Tuesday, even getting snaps with the top offense and making plays. With Christian McCaffrey sitting this one out and Jordan James also out, Black’s about to get his first taste of NFL action. This is his shot to make a huge statement in that running back competition, both pounding the rock and showing off his hands as a pass-catcher.
Then you’ve got rookie wideout **De’Zhaun Stribling**. What a debut this dude had last week! He shook off some early jitters and still hauled in seven of his eight targets for a solid 63 yards. On Thursday, Stribling will likely get a chance to connect with Purdy, and with Mike Evans sidelined, he could legitimately become the focal point of the passing game. If the 49ers like what they see, this could be the last preseason game for Stribling, which tells you everything about the confidence they’re building in him.
O-Line Grinders and Defensive Line Depth Chargers Don’t Want to See
On the offensive line, **Carver Willis** is the dark horse to watch in the left guard battle. He’s been getting reps in a three-way fight against Robert Jones and Connor Colby. Willis is set for an extended run on Thursday, which is huge. This is the coaching staff’s chance to really see if he’s ready to push for a starting spot or if he’s destined for a backup role for now. Colby seems to be losing ground, so Willis has a prime opportunity to lock himself firmly into that conversation.
Over on the defensive line, **Gracen Halton** is another name that should be on your radar. He had an impressive start to his preseason last year and looks like one of those ready-now contributors from the 49ers’ rookie class. Expect him to be a major factor again on Thursday as the team keeps trying to sort out their defensive tackle rotation behind Osa Odighizuwa. There’s a ton of young talent in that room, with Alfred Collins, CJ West, and Halton all vying for snaps, and the 49ers desperately need someone from that group to step up big time.
Safety play has become a bigger talking point this week, especially after the 49ers secondary struggled during Tuesday’s joint practice. The team didn’t exactly go wild adding to the safety room this offseason, leaving Malik Mustapha, **Ji’Ayir Brown**, and Marques Sigle as the top competitors there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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