The San Francisco 49ers dropped a 40-burger on the Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers on Thursday night, dominating SoFi Stadium in a 41-17 win. While Brock Purdy and the “starters” hit the field for just a single drive and then bounced, the rest of the squad, fighting for roster spots, kept that dominance going strong.
Black Flashes Big Time: RB2 in the Making?
The real eye-catcher? Running back Kaelon Black. This dude flashed in just about every way imaginable. The former Indiana Hoosier ran hard, forcing three missed tackles, which is already a huge deal. But his work in pass protection? That’s the unsung hero move that gets you on Kyle Shanahan’s good side. We all know Shanahan doesn’t mess around with missed blocking assignments, and Black showed that his reputation as a solid pass blocker is totally earned. With Jordan James still sidelined with an injury, it looks like Black is a lock for that RB2 spot. Khalil Herbert also put in work with a 76.0 grade on 15 snaps, while Sincere McCormick got a 61.6 grade on 20 snaps, even ripping off a 37-yard run for a rushing touchdown. McCormick’s been an unsung hero with all the injuries at running back, and that performance might have just snagged him a roster spot.
QBs and WRs Show Out for Roster Spots
Quarterback Adrian Martinez, who got the bulk of the reps with Kurtis Rourke nursing a rib injury, had a mixed bag performance. But hey, he still punched in a nice rushing touchdown and then ripped a touchdown pass to Jordan Watkins down the seam. Speaking of Watkins, he played the most snaps of any receiver with 53, and hauled in that TD pass, even if another potential score from Mac Jones fell incomplete. And rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling? He continued his fine play with a 90.5 grade on 14 snaps. Sure, he didn’t bring in that potential touchdown pass, but the hype train is absolutely flying for Stribling regardless of who’s throwing him the ball. Jacob Cowing sealed his roster spot with a punt return touchdown, proving that sometimes, one or two plays is all it takes to make your case.
This team is clearly deep, even in the “preseason” action. Players are fighting for their careers, and the coaches are getting a serious look at who belongs. It’s all about consistency from here on out as they trim down the roster.
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.
Leave a Reply