Plus, a rookie running back could make his debut.
The 49ers close out the preseason with a trip to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders on Friday night. The race to make the 53-man roster continues with valuable spots up for grabs. Rookies, second-year players, and veterans compete to be in uniform against the Jets on Monday Night Football to open the season.
Here are a few things to watch in the preseason finale.
Jake Brendel
Jon Feliciano is headed to the injured reserve list recovering from an offseason injury, and there was a chance that Feliciano would have battled with Brendel to start at center in Week 1. Brendel was recovering from an injury of his own.
With Dominick Puni locking down the right guard spot and Feliciano injured for the foreseeable future, Brendel has to improve and lock in the center spot even after two years of starting. Against the Saints in Week 2, Brendel was hit with a 17.5 pass-blocking grade from PFF and gave up a pressure. Brendel posted a career-low 42.3 pass-blocking grade in 2023 after an above-average 71.9 grade in 2022.
Isaac Guerendo
Guerendo is finally healthy and practicing this week with a chance to see significant snaps against the Raiders. The reports out of OTAs and rookie minicamp highlighted Guerendo’s issues with vision and keeping his feet. The 49ers invested draft capital in Guerendo, and with the injury issues plaguing Elijah Mitchell, Guerendo has a chance to state his case for the 53-man roster as opposed to a redshirt season, possibly on IR.
Tuesday’s practice was a positive sign as 49ers beat writers reported Guerendo’s burst and receiving prowess. Friday night is an opportunity for Guerendo to show what he can add to the 49ers in 2024.
The tight end room behind George Kittle
Eric Saubert is the favorite for the TE2 spot behind Kittle and as a blocking tight end to improve the run game with Kittle as an additional lineman. Brayden Willis and Cameron Latu are battling for the next spot, but Willis has the upper hand with his experience last season and Latu’s issues catching the football.
Willis has played Kyle Juszczyk’s position in the offense, which could signify the team’s plans for him in the future. It will be interesting to see what the team decides to do with the position.