6 49ers Who Lost Ground in Preseason Week 2

Stock down.

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With just one week to go until the San Francisco 49ers preseason finale, there are only so many chances for some players to make their final push for a roster spot. Who saw their stock drop in the worst way in Week 2 of the preseason?

6 Players Losing Ground on San Francisco 49ers

Christian Kirk 

It is hard to knock a player for being hurt, but Kirk has not practiced since the team entered training camp. Since then, six receivers have locked up jobs. Demarcus Robinson has been playing with the starters, and Deebo Samuel was acquired via trade to join Mike Evans as the top veterans. 

Meanwhile, De’Zhaun Stribling, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing have all been winners of the preseason as young players with potential. The need for a seventh receiver seems excessive. Kirk might stay on the injured list. 

Austen Pleasants 

Pleasants has had every chance to lock down the swing tackle spot but has not taken it. He struggled in the second preseason game and suffered an injury. The good news for him is that Enrique Cruz looks like a project as well. Vederian Lowe would be the starter, but he has not been healthy. Still, the preseason confirmed that when healthy, the job is for Lowe to hold. 

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Connor Colby

Colby has taken eight snaps at left guard in the preseason and those were to close out the game. He started training camp in a commanding lead to hold down the starting spot. Now, the team tried Austen Plesants for a bit before they gave Colby a chance. He went from a starter to competing to make the team. 

Tatum Bethune

The 49ers sat Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw and Luke Gifford. They started Jaden Dugger, Garrett Wallow and Nick Martin. All three performed well in their roles and made strong cases to stick on the roster. Unless the team is going to surprise by cutting the core special teams option in Gifford, it looks like Bethune is the number seven here.

Brett Toth

Toth was supposed to compete at left guard and center. Injuries prevented both. At left guard, he appears too far behind and at center he is quickly losing his role to the emerging Drake Nugent. Toth could get cut.

Jordan James

James is missing time due to injury, but he likely lost the backup competition in Week 2 of the preseason. Kaelon Black looked too good.