The San Francisco 49ers secured a 41-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in a recent preseason game. Wide receiver and return specialist Jacob Cowing made a notable impact, despite an early misjudgment on a punt return and a dropped pass.
Cowing, who experienced a hamstring injury during the first practice of training camp and aggravated it multiple times during rehabilitation, redeemed himself with an 83-yard punt-return touchdown. This play showcased his speed, allowing him to reach the sideline ahead of the Chargers‘ special teams and sprint into the end zone. Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the touchdown’s significance, noting that Cowing “definitely redeemed himself” after an earlier error.
Key Player Performances
Cowing‘s touchdown highlighted his potential to end the 49ers‘ punt-return touchdown drought, which dates back to Week 1 of the 2011 season. Shanahan stated that while the touchdown did not yet secure Cowing the punt-returner job, it was making the decision easier.
Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, the 49ers‘ top draft pick, was removed from the game early for the second consecutive week, indicating a significant role for him in Week 1. He recorded four catches for 46 yards in the first two series. Quarterbacks completed three of three passes when targeting Stribling on third down.
Linebacker Garret Wallow started at middle linebacker for the second straight game, with Fred Warner not playing. Wallow, who had four tackles and forced a fumble on special teams, is considered ahead of Tatum Bethune on the depth chart. Another linebacker, Nick Martin, played nearly the entire game, collecting five tackles and forcing a fumble on special teams before leaving with an apparent hamstring injury with less than five minutes remaining.
Cornerback Jack Jones entered the game after starting cornerback Renardo Green sustained a hamstring injury. Jones broke up a pass in the corner of the end zone on third down and nearly secured an interception later in the game. Coach Shanahan observed that Jones consistently knocked the ball down when targeted.
Running back Sincere McCormick, a former Raider, showcased his abilities with a 37-yard run and a 7-yard touchdown run.
Chargers Players to Watch
For the Chargers, running back Omarion Hampton was a player to watch. Coach Jim Harbaugh announced that starters would play one series against the 49ers. Hampton, a 2025 first-round pick, rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns in nine games during his rookie year, also adding 192 receiving yards and a touchdown. Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel praised Hampton‘s growth, noting his size and speed as potential difference-makers.
Undrafted rookie outside linebacker Nadame Tucker recorded two total tackles and a quarterback hit in a previous game. He is aiming to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. Offensive tackle Travis Burke, who played 58 snaps at left tackle in a prior game, allowed two pressures on 30 pass-blocking snaps and earned an 85.9 run-blocking grade. Cornerback Nikko Reed, a second-year player, had a strong offseason and notched a pass defense in a joint practice with the 49ers. He totaled three tackles and a quarterback hit in Week 1 of the preseason.
The backup quarterback competition for the Chargers also drew attention, with Trey Lance receiving the majority of snaps in the first preseason game. DJ Uiagalelei, who played 23 reps against the Texans, completed 6 of 9 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, achieving a 146.8 quarterback rating. Justin Herbert was scheduled to start against the 49ers.
Injury Updates and Positional Battles
The 49ers faced challenges with injuries and positional battles. Rookie offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr., a fifth-round pick, demonstrated athleticism but also showed issues with his anchor. The competition at left guard was ongoing, with veteran Robert Jones out due to a calf injury. Fourth-round rookie Carver Willis started at left guard, while Austin Pleasants, who started at left tackle, also saw time at left guard before leaving with a knee injury. Coach Shanahan indicated that the team does not believe Pleasants‘ injury is an ACL tear but that further testing is required. Connor Colby, who started at right guard for the injured Dominick Puni, also relieved Willis at left guard in the fourth quarter. Shanahan noted that the competition for the starting left guard position could extend into the regular season.
Tight end Luke Farrell had a drop and a penalty in limited play during the first quarter. The 49ers have Jake Tonges available until George Kittle is ready, which could be as late as Week 2.
The 49ers‘ victory over the Chargers concluded with a score of 41-17.
Source: nytimes.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.