On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers will play their second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. It will be their only home game before the start of the regular season.
Brock Purdy is expected to start after sitting out the first preseason game, meaning there will be some big-name starters on the field on Sunday, but it will be another key game for players battling for a spot on the roster.
So which three players should you keep an eye on on offense?
RB Jordan Mason
Jordan Mason started last weekend as Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell did not play in the first preseason game.
That should be the case again on Sunday, giving Mason another opportunity to cement his status on the 49ers roster.
After Mitchell was the primary backup for the past two seasons, it seems the 49ers are more inclined to rely on a strong running back behind Christian McCaffrey this year as Mason has grown in his role while also getting more opportunities.
Still, there are some key players to watch out for, especially in pass protection, as Mason is back in the starting lineup.
He may even get some pass-catching opportunities and will now most likely team up with Brock Purdy in a series or two on Sunday.
WR Jacob Cowing
The 49ers wide receiver was one of the most interesting draftees in May, not only because of his ability with the ball in his hands, but also because of the differences between him and other wideouts the team typically courts.
Cowing, a smaller receiver with good speed and twitch sensitivity, has been hampered by a hamstring injury this training camp but should suit up and play in some capacity on Sunday, giving him his first big chance to prove himself.
Now the top receiver position seems pretty well filled: Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and Cowing are all safe candidates, and Chris Conley is the potential favorite for the sixth spot if it becomes available.
But Cowing has a chance to prove himself on a larger scale in the preseason before slipping down the rankings during the regular season.
Furthermore, it will be interesting to see if he gets some opportunities to return, as his skillset gives him the opportunity to do so.
OL Nick Zakelj
Zakelj was one of the bright spots of the first week of preseason, as the offensive lineman started at center in place of Jake Brendel, who had to sit out the game.
He also spent some time at left guard, where he will likely start this weekend since starter Aaron Banks broke his little finger and may be out until Week 1.
It feels like Zakelj has been battling with Ben Bartch for the final defensive spot on the offensive line this training camp, and he increased his value last week.
Now Zakelj has a chance to start at a different position and prove himself again. He will initially defend Brock Purdy for a series or two.
Depending on the 49ers’ plans for Brendel, Zakelj could even play center again and will be a player to keep an eye on at both positions.
