49ers 53-man roster projection before final roster cuts

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 14-12 to close out their preseason schedule. Final roster cuts are due by 1 p.m. PT on Saturday, but odds are pretty good we start to hear about some cuts before then. The team is holding a full practice on Friday, so we'll see if roster cuts happen after that.

With all that in mind, I figured it would make sense to get one last 53-man roster projection together. And yet, nothing has changed. I have a couple areas where I am conflicted, but I just can't quite pull the trigger. I'm sure some will disagree, but this is what I've got. Here are the areas where I am not sure what to do:

Busta Anderson: The tight end has shown some things further down the depth chart. I could see the team trying to trade one more tight end to keep him, but until we see a deal, I just don't know that there is a spot for him.

Shayne Skov: We saw Philip Wheeler return to action on Thursday. Or really, get into action. He was healthy early in training camp, but a strain cost him the first three preseason games. Has Skov done enough in extensive opportunities this past month?

Bruce Miller: In his pre-Chargers projection, Matt Maiocco did not include a fullback, believing Miller would be suspended to start the season. After seeing how long discipline took for T.J. Ward, I could see this taking a little longer. It is no certainty, but it is a possibility.

Ahmad Brooks: There is no word on his status with the league, and so he remains on the projection. Until we hear something remotely concrete, he is going to occupy a roster spot. Whether he actually plays next week against the Minnesota Vikings is another question entirely.

Marcus Rush: I'd like to figure out a way to work him in, but I'm just not sure. If he makes the roster, it will be in place of Corey Lemonier.

Defensive line: There are just so many bodies there, it's crazy. I'm leaning toward thinking the 49ers are desperately trying to trade one of the linemen, but at this stage, who knows if they can get anything done. There is talent there, but I don't know what the rest of the league needs at this point.

QB (2): Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert
RB (4): Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush, Mike Davis, Jarryd Hayne
FB (1): Bruce Miller
WR (5): Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Bruce Ellington, Quinton Patton, DeAndrew White
TE (4): Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald, Blake Bell, Garrett Celek
OT (3): Joe Staley, Erik Pears, Trenton Brown
OG (3): Alex Boone, Brandon Thomas, Jordan Devey
C (2): Marcus Martin Joe Looney

DT (7): Darnell Dockett, Glenn Dorsey, Ian Williams, Quinton Dial, Tank Carradine, Arik Armstead, Mike Purcell
OLB (5): Aaron Lynch, Ahmad Brooks, Eli Harold, Corey Lemonier, Nick Bellore
ILB (4): NaVorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, Philip Wheeler, Nick Moody
CB (5): Tramaine Brock, Dontae Johnson, Kenneth Acker, Keith Reaser, Shareece Wright
FS (2): Eric Reid, Jimmie Ward
SS (3): Antoine Bethea, Jaquiski Tartt, L.J. McCray

P (1): Bradley Pinion
K (1): Phil Dawson
LS (1): Kyle Nelson

Reserve/PUP: Daniel Kilgore
Reserve/NFI: DeAndre Smelter
Reserve/Suspended: Jerome Simpson