Ten players to watch in 49ers' preseason finale at Chargers

Sitting this one out

Most of the 49ers’ starters and presumptive starters, such as quarterback Blaine Gabbert, will not even suit up for the team’s final exhibition game on Thursday night against the San Diego Chargers. The field will be covered with backups and those who are destined to get bad news in the next few days as the 49ers trim their roster from 75 to the regular-season maximum of 53 players... -- Matt Maiocco

10) QB Colin Kaepernick, pregame

Before the game even kicks off, all eyes will be on Kaepernick during the playing of the national anthem. Kaepernick said his decision to sit down is not a protest against the U.S. military. But some choose to interpret it that way. It just so happens the Chargers will hold their 28th annual Salute to the Military, honoring hundreds of thousands of current and retired military personnel who live and work in San Diego. -- Matt Maiocco

9) DL Ronald Blair

His spot on the 53-man roster looks secure. Now it’s about winning his way onto the active 46 for regular-season games. The 49ers remain in search of players who can rush the passer. Blair is versatile enough to line up at a lot of different spots within the front seven and get after the quarterback. Against the Chargers’ reserves, he should be able to get into the backfield and be a disruptive force. -- Matt Maiocco

8) RB Kelvin Taylor

Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn will not play. Draughn appears to be the logical choice as the 49ers’ No. 2 back behind Hyde. Taylor, a rookie, did not play last week after making a huge mental mistake a week earlier, running out of bounds late in the game while protecting a lead. He continues his fight for a roster spot, along with Mike Davis and DuJuan Harris. Taylor has the fallback position of being a candidate for the practice squad. -- Matt Maiocco

7) DL Garrison Smith

After spending all of last season on the 49ers’ practice squad, Smith has been very impressive this summer and is making a serious bid to win a roster spot. Smith’s biggest competitor is Mike Purcell, who earned his role on the team a year ago with an eye-opening training camp and exhibition season. Smith followed up a strong showing against Denver with another five-tackle performance against Green Bay. -- Matt Maiocco

6) WR Devon Cajuste

He did not see any action last week. Cajuste could be a player the 49ers want to keep around in some capacity and, perhaps, they will try to hide him. If he does not make the cut to 53 players, the 49ers could look to continue his development on the 10-player practice squad. Cajuste, Dres Anderson, Aaron Burbridge and Ryan Whalen could all see a lot of playing time. DeAndre Smelter’s availability is uncertain. -- Matt Maiocco

5) CB Will Redmond

The 49ers selected Redmond in the third round even though he was coming off a torn ACL. After monitoring his practice time during the first three weeks of camp, he saw his first game action with 18 snaps of defense and five on special teams last week. He came up with four tackles, two for losses, and a sack. Chris Davis appears to be the team’s nickel back. Redmond is still competing for a significant role. -- Matt Maiocco

4) QB Jeff Driskel

The recent developments have seemingly left the 49ers with no other choice than to carry a third quarterback on the team’s 53-man roster. Driskel has all of the physical gifts, but he is very raw. His performances have offered a mixed bag during the exhibition season. The 49ers want to see the rookie continue to make strides in the classroom with his knowledge of the offense and show more poise in the final exhibition game. -- Matt Maiocco

3) S L.J. McCray

The 49ers have worked McCray back slowly as he returns from the torn ACL he sustained last season. McCray wasted very little time last week demonstrating how he would fit into the 49ers’ 53-man roster, as he hustled down and made some plays on special teams against the Packers. McCray is likely competing against Marcus Cromartie for the job to be the 49ers’ fourth safety and core special-teams performer. -- Matt Maiocco

2) LT Colin Kelly

Joe Staley, a five-time Pro Bowl performer, is not expected to play. Kelly will be responsible for protecting Kaepernick’s blind side. Coincidentally, protecting and serving is a family tradition. “My father, brother, grandfather and uncle all work in the police force,” Kelly said, via the 49ers’ preseason media guide. “I’ve been around it my whole life and it’s something different every day, which is similar to football in that aspect.” Kelly, 26, spent the past two seasons in the CFL with the Ottawa Redblacks. -- Matt Maiocco

1) QB Colin Kaepernick, post-anthem

Chip Kelly said Kaepernick is one of the team’s best two quarterbacks. That could change, depending on Kaepernick’s performance on Thursday. But Kelly’s statement does not guarantee Kaepernick a spot on the roster. Gabbert is the presumptive starter, of course. The 49ers would be taking a risk if Kaepernick plays at any point this season. Any injury that lingers until April 1 would require the 49ers to guarantee his $14.5 million salary for next year. -- Matt Maiocco