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Saturday marks the day the 49ers have to get the roster down to 53 men. There a few good position battles that still need to be played out. The most intriguing battle will probably be at wide receiver. Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor, and Dante Pettis appear to be locks. Kendrick Bourne, Aldrick Robinson, Richie James Jr, and Aaron Burbridge are likely fighting for the last spot or 2. The last preseason game will go a long way to determining who gets the spots. It seems likely that the team would go with Kendrick and Richie for their current play and potential. Other teams would likely sign them quickly if they became available.
Kyle Shanahan gave reporters some updates regarding the roster on Tuesday. Jimmy Garoppolo and a few other starters will not play in Thursday’s preseason finale. That will give players fighting for roster spots more playing time. One starter they were hoping to play was LB Reuben Foster, but he is currently in the concussion protocol. If he is available to play on Thursday, he will. He is missing the 1st 2 games of the season due to suspension so if he misses Thursday, he will not be on the field for about a month. Right guard still has a competition coming, but Mike Person is tabbed by Kyle as the current favorite to win the job. He will get one more chance on Thursday to lock it down.
On Tuesday, the 49ers signed another running back to the roster. Ja’Quan Gardner signed and adds more competition to the running back position. To make room for Ja’Quan, the 49ers released safety Chanceller James. Ja’Quan will try to fight for a roster spot behind Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida.
49ers links
Roster bubble (Inman)
One more game to make the team | Roster projections (Wagoner)
Improved o-line (Iyer)
Asked about Tom Brady (Brzezinski)
More competition added | New RB (49ers staff)
Wish Chanceller the best | Chanceller James (Maiocco)
Malcolm Smith (Fann)
Signed a new running back (Almquist)
Alfred on signing with the 49ers (Almquist)
Safety waived (Inman)
Preseason week 4 preview (PFF)
Ja’Quan Gardner (Williams)
The legend | Patrick Willis speaks (Maiocco)
Need him to lead this defense | Sherman feeling good (Inman)
No starters on Thursday | Roster updates from Kyle (Fann)
Hasn’t won the job just yet, but Mike Person laying claim to right guard job (Almquist)
Ja’Quan Gardner gets his chance (Biderman)
Dream come true (Branch)
Need them to produce this season | Pass rush (Biderman)
49ers audio
Insider podcast (Maiocco)