Winners, losers and everything in between in 49ers depth chart battles The San Francisco 49ers entered training camp with several position battles to resolve. With one preseason game remaining, the team still lacks clarity on key roles. While some contests remain unresolved, others have seen decisive outcomes. The final week of the preseason will provide further insight into which players will secure their spots on the roster. The running back competition between Jordan James and Kaelon Black remains uncertain. Both players were sidelined for much of training camp due to injuries. Black returned a couple days before the 49ers’ preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers and performed well in practices, giving him an edge in the race for RB2 reps behind Christian McCaffrey. However, James is still in the mix, and the outcome may depend on how their skills translate during the regular season. The third linebacker spot under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is expected to go to Jaden Dugger. The rookie, drafted specifically for this hybrid role, has outperformed veteran options Luke Gifford and Nick Martin. Gifford struggled in a defensive role last season, while Martin suffered a concussion before gaining significant playing time. Dugger’s versatility aligns with Morris’ scheme, making him the likely choice for the position. The competition for the starting running back role has been less clear. Connor Colby, Robert Jones, and Carver Willis were expected to emerge as favorites, but none have fully separated themselves. Austen Pleasants briefly entered the mix during the 49ers-Chargers game but had a poor performance and suffered an injury, likely ending his chances. The team remains uncertain about its Week 1 starter, with no definitive answer yet.#san_francisco_49ers #kaelon_black #jordan_james #raheem_morris #jaden_dugger
