Jordan James and Jordan Watkins Make Final Roster Push in Game Against Las Vegas Raiders
The San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders locked into a defensive battle at Allegiant Stadium in their preseason finale, using Thursday night's exhibition game as a final testing ground before rosters are cut down. With the vast majority of San Francisco's frontline starters resting ahead of their Week 1 trip to Australia, the game quickly turned into an intense audition for roster bubble depth and rotational roles.
Video Transcript
The San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders locked into a defensive battle at Allegiant Stadium in their preseason finale, using Thursday night's exhibition game as the final testing grounds before rosters are cut to fifty-three man.
With the vast majority of San Francisco's frontline starters resting ahead of their week one trip to Australia, the game quickly turned into an intense audition for roster bubble depth and rotational roles.
The Raiders turned to start veteran Kirk Cousins on their opening drive.
They moved the ball quickly for their first two drives and ended with six points.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco offense stumbled out of the gate with a quick three and out.
The momentum shifted late in the first quarter, thanks to a key turnover created by 49ers defensive linebacker Tatum Bethune, who stepped in front of a pass from Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza, intercepting a throw and handing San Francisco short field position.
However, from that short pri-- field position, quarterback Adrian Martinez entered the game and at the end of the first quarter, immediately got to work running it off to Kalon Black.
The rookie broke free for a fourteen-yard gain to set up the offense.
However, San Francisco had to settle for three.
San Francisco's pass rush being imposed its will in the second quarter.
Edge rusher Kyion White blew up the Raiders offensive line for a massive sack, along with edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo, who added another interior sack to derail and separate the Las Vegas drive.
On offense, running back Jordan James provided a major spark with an explosive twenty-yard run downfield.
Kicker Eddie Pineiro converted a twenty-five field goal attempt with one thirty-eight in the second quarter and expired at six-six in-- for the second half.
In the second half, Jor- Jordan James and Jordan Watkins, both young skill players, consistently created positive yardage and demonstrated why they belong on the 49ers regular season rotation.
The biggest question heading into the fifty-three man roster cutdown is, will the 49ers carry a third quarterback?
While defensive depth and running back rotations have plenty of film, Brock Purdy and Mac Jones are locked in at QB one and QB two.
However, Adrian Martinez has delivered a stellar August campaign.
Coming off a three touchdown performance against the Chargers and showing poise and escapability against Las Vegas, Martinez has played well enough to command real consideration.
With final roster cuts due by Tuesday, August thirtieth, Shanahan and Lynch have a major decision to make before boarding their flight down under.
