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4 Depth Chart Changes That Could Be Coming After 49ers' Preseason Opener
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- 4 Depth Chart Changes That Could Be Coming After 49ers' Preseason Opener
The San Francisco 49ers have one preseason game out of the way and two left to play.
The preseason opener wasn't the most exciting game you'll ever watch, but some interesting information was learned. We saw some people make their case to move up the depth chart and make the team , while some others put on disappointing performances that could have ramifications.
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The 49ers just released their first depth chart last week, and there were a couple of surprises. Head coach Kyle Shanahan might want to tweak some things before the next preseason game, so let's look at what those could be.
Connor Colby Jumps Ahead of Robert Jones
Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Connor Colby (75) before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The left guard spot is the only spot on the offensive line that's not decided. Connor Colby, Robert Jones, and Carver Willis have been battling it out this summer, and Jones was listed as the starter on the first depth chart.
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Well, Jones and Colby received the same amount of snaps in the preseason opener, and there was a big difference. Colby had a respectable performance while Jones had the lowest Pro Football Focus grade of anybody on the offense.
Colby should certainly be listed as the starter ahead of the next preseason contest.
De'Zhaun Stribling Gets Starting Spot
On the first depth chart, the starting wide receivers were listed as Mike Evans , Demarcus Robinson, and Deebo Samuel . Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, who has dominated all summer , was listed as a backup.
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Stribling took that positive momentum and ran with it in the opener. The rookie led the team in catches and yards. At this point, Stribling has done everything he can to be moved up the depth chart. Robinson is a fine veteran to have around, but he's not the type of player Stribling is.
Ogbo Okoronkwo Moves Up
Ogbo Okoronkwo is one of the newest 49ers, so it's not surprising that the team is making him earn his place. The veteran was listed behind Nick Bosa, Romello Height, and Quinton Bell on the first depth chart.
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In the opener, Okoronkwo easily outplayed Height and Bell, ending with two tackles and picking up one of the team's three sacks on the night. Okoronkwo is a veteran who has starting experience, and he proved he doesn't need time to adjust in San Francisco. It won't be surprising if the veteran makes this roster.
Will Pauling Earns Returner Job
Will Pauling is an undrafted wide receiver who's trying to prove he belongs in the NFL . Pauling didn't get much buzz earlier this summer, but the closer we get to the season, the more Pauling is popping.
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With Jacob Cowing out, Pauling got the chance to return kicks and punts on Thursday. Pauling had a nice 28-yard kick return, and he showed some juice on punts as well. The 49ers could use Pauling as the returner instead of having to use Deebo Samuel and risk injury.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
