SANTA CLARA — Only 54 players from the 49ers’ 90-man training camp roster suited up for their preseason opener on Thursday night, a 19-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans.So that meant many of the team’s under-the-radar players had plenty of chances to show what they bring to the table.
Several intriguing competitions are evolving, including at wide receiver.
Veteran Christian Kirk signed a one-year contract with $3 million guaranteed in the offseason. But he sustained a calf injury on the first day of training camp. His absence has opened the door for some of the young players to step in and prove their worth.
There is a battle developing for spots along the defensive line, too.
That position group was the worst on the team last year, so few of the holdovers from a year ago should have their spots guaranteed with a handful of newcomers pushing for spots.
After one preseason game, here is how we currently envision the 49ers’ 53-man roster:Quarterback (3)Brock PurdyMac JonesKurtis Rourke
Overview: While Purdy and Jones sat out the exhibition opener, Rourke took advantage of...