49ers preseason finale snap count might offer some roster clues

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their 2018 preseason schedule on Thursday, and while most of the starters sat out the game, the snap count provides some intriguing clues about roster decisions. You can review the table below, or read the gamebook PDF.

The most important information might be who did not play. A few starters got some work, but most of the expected offensive and defensive starters sat out the game. Some notable names not playing included wide receiver Aaron Burbridge and linebacker Fred Warner.

Burbridge is competing for the sixth wide receiver spot that will be primarily a special teams contributor. Kendrick Bourne, Aldrick Robinson, and Richie James got significant work at wide receiver, and would seem to be competing with Burbridge for a roster spot. My latest projection has James and Burbridge making the roster.

Warner is likely going to be starting when Week 1 arrives. Reuben Foster will miss two weeks while suspended, and Kyle Shanahan said there is “a real good chance” Warner is starting the first two weeks.

One position that seemed to still be up for grabs was the third tight end role. Ross Dwelley and Cole Hikutini got extensive work on Thursday, while Cole Wick only played five snaps. The snap count is not the final piece of the puzzle, but it would seem to be a pretty big one.

Right guard remains a question mark. Joshua Garnett started, while Jonathan Cooper played left guard out of the gate. Garnett played 23 of 62 snaps, while Cooper played all but two snaps. Cooper took time to get over his knee injury, and Kyle Shanahan has repeatedly referenced that. Matt Maiocco reported Friday morning that Erik Magnuson may not need the full six to eight weeks recovery time for his hamstring injury, as initially estimated. That could be problematic for Cooper’s roster chances.

Here’s the full list of snaps for the preseason finale.