5 Major Questions the 49ers Must Answer Before Cutdowns

As the San Francisco 49ers enter the last week of practice before roster cutdowns, what are the biggest questions facing the team?

San Francisco 49ers Biggest Questions Left in Preseason

How will De’Zhaun Stribling get into the starting lineup?

Stribling has been one of the most impactful rookies of the preseason. The only question now is how often he plays and in what role? The team has been resting Mike Evans, but it is notable that Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson started at wide receiver in two wide-out sets in the second preseason. Those two were held out in the preseason opener with the starters.

Stribling had a hot preseason but might be a rotational player early in his career.

Who starts at left guard?

The left guard battle might end up with a winner by default. Connor Colby appears to have bowed out after moving over to right guard for the past few weeks. Robert Jones has been banged up and has not taken over the job. Austen Pleasants looked unfamiliar with left guard.

Meanwhile, rookie Carver Willis got work with the first team last week and started in front of Brock Purdy in the preseason game. Did he just win the job?

Who wins the backup center job?

The backup center job could end up being resolved soon. Brett Toth was signed to take on the role, but he has not been healthy enough to take it. Third-year UDFA Drake Nugent has taken snaps once again and appears to be going from practice squad lock to backup center. Can he finalize winning the job?

Who are the best depth defensive linemen?

The 49ers have investments in Osa Odighizuwa, Alfred Collins, Gracen Halton, and C.J. West. However, three of the best stories in training camp are Sebastian Valdez, James Thompson, and Bryson Eason.

All three have bottom-of-the-roster potential with practice squad lock ability. Can they keep all three around in some manner?

Who wins the backup left tackle job?

The 49ers signed Vederian Lowe to be their backup left tackle. He started the year on PUP, returned, and immediately got hurt. Austen Pleasants has held the job down with Lowe out. Does Lowe return, do they ride with Pleasants, or does rookie Enrique Cruz sneak into the mix?

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