Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers have been in the news quite a bit this week, trading for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore and Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. to address injury issues at both positions.
Both players are expected to make the 53-man roster and contribute, with the 49ers sending Day 3 picks in both deals to acquire the running back and wide receiver.
Now, it’s time to look ahead to the third preseason game, where the 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan already revealed that he doesn’t expect quarterback Brock Purdy or other key starters to play in the game.
“You might see a couple [of starters],” Shanahan said on KNBR Wednesday. “We’ve got to see how it pans out tomorrow with practice, but I’d be surprised if you guys saw too many out there.”
Purdy played just one drive in the preseason, suiting up last weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he threw for 66 yards on 5/7 passing and led the 49ers to a field goal.
But, it’ll likely be more of Mac Jones and the other backup quarterbacks on Saturday, as the 49ers look ahead to Week 1.
With many starters expected to take a seat, who are some key players to keep an eye out for this weekend?
WR Skyy Moore
Of course, the newly-added Skyy Moore has to be a part of the group. Moore, 24, joins the 49ers at a time when their wide receiver corps is heavily banged up. He joined the 49ers midway through Thursday’s practice after his physical, and saw some reps during team drills.
Moore also has experience as a punt returner, although he’s had fumble issues in the past, so it’ll be interesting to see if the 49ers give him some opportunities there as well.
Moreover, though, Moore has a big chance to impress in the reps he earns this weekend, as there’s a lot of opportunity to be had in the receiving room currently.
Only Ricky Pearsall is solidified as a Week 1 starter currently. Jauan Jennings is nursing a calf issue, Jacob Cowing has a hamstring concern, Jordan Watkins has a high-ankle sprain, and Demarcus Robinson is getting suspended for the first three games of the year.
K Jake Moody
After his 5/6 performance last weekend, which included multiple 50-yard field goals and a 59-yard game-winner, Jake Moody’s stock is trending up heading into the final preseason game.
While his spot seems solidified now, it’ll be a good sign if Moody can build off his strong week this Saturday, rather than revert to the inconsistency we saw last season.
Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer said that the boost of confidence the kicker received from the game-winner last weekend could ‘change his career.’ Moody needs a big year in 2025, and ending the preseason on a high note would be a good way to start.
S Ji’Ayir Brown
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