San Francisco 49ers Victor Bolden Jr. returns a punt for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/John Hefti)

By: Joe Lami

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–The San Francisco 49ers closed out their preseason schedule against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night in high-scoring fashion with a 23-13 victory.

The offense was slow moving from backup quarterback, C.J. Beathard running the show in the first half, but great defensive and special teams play carried the scoring.

Beathard showed off his wheels in the second quarter, getting the first touchdown of the game on a 62-yard scamper up the middle of the field. After realizing the pocket was collapsing, the rookie took off and beat everyone, impressing the faithful at Levi’s.

San Francisco scored their second major just 90 seconds later after Victor Bolden Jr. returned a punt for a touchdown, the second of the preseason while ensuring a spot on the 53-man roster to make the score 16-3.

Tim Hightower ended the half by drilling in a score from one-yard out.

Beathard ended the contest, passing 5-of-9 for 31 yards and taking two sacks.

The 49ers defense was the tale of the game, as they forced a total of five turnovers. Asa Jackson led the way with two interceptions, making a strong case for staying around on the practice team. Ray-Ray Armstrong and Leger Douzable each recovered a fumble.

It was a good thing that the Niners defense looked so strong, as the slow moving offense only generated a total of 266 yards.

Thursday night may have seen 33 49ers sit, but it gave a chance for a few notable players to try and ensure their place on the team before Saturday’s deadline.

There will be a lot of movement on black Friday in Santa Clara as both Kyle Shanahan and Jon Lynch have lots of work to do to cut the roster down to 53 men. They expect to meet with all 37 players on the bubble between now and Saturday’s 1 p.m. deadline.