By: Joe Lami

The San Francisco 49ers will end their pre-season schedule on Thursday as they host the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Although records don’t matter in the pre-season, they come into this game 1-2 on the pre-season with their only win coming against the Cowboys at home two weeks ago.

After Sunday’s loss to the Broncos, Thursday becomes a very important game for the 49ers as the 19-12 defeat brought up a lot of concerns for the red and gold.  To start, their first string offense had nothing but trouble moving the ball.  It took them three drives to get their first first-down of the game.  It also took the Niners offense the entire first half to get on the board, as Phil Dawson was able to put it through the uprights for three points.

The offense continues to be a concern this pre-season, as there has not been much to praise. Another concern came up this past weekend as well, as the offensive line had issues that begun in the point practice with Denver.  It bled over into the game, as the first string line allowed Kaepernick to get sacked twice, one of which led to a safety.  49ers’ coach, Jim Tomsula mentioned that the problems will be taking care of this week, making this week especially important.

On top of the problems that are occurring on the offensive side of the ball are the penalty problems the 49ers have been having. Last week against Denver, San Francisco was penalized 13 times totally 113 yards.  Tomsula said, “We have to get that cleaned up”.  Penalties will be another important item to watch on Thursday.

Since week four of the preseason usually means that none of the starters will really see any playing time. It will give a chance for the final 75 players remaining to earn their spot on the 53-player roster. 

Some of the players to really keep an eye on that have a shot at winning their spot would include Jarryd Hayne. Hayne, the former rugby star, is rumored to have earned his spot, but Tomsula hasn’t mentioned if he’s made it quite yet. Thursday can push him over the edge in gaining a spot.

Shayne Skov could be another player trying to make the squad. After the nightmare offseason the 49ers’ defense saw and a good camp and pre-season, the former Stanford star could gain a spot.