Three 49ers rookies aim for roster spots after solid preseason finale
In the 49ers' final preseason game, Jordan Watkins, Jordan James and Jaden Dugger each posted notable performances that could influence the team's roster decisions.
San Francisco's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders saw limited participation from regular starters, but three young players used the game to showcase their potential. Wide receiver Jordan Watkins recorded four catches on eight targets for 64 yards and added three rushes for 27 yards, demonstrating improvement after an injury-limited rookie season.
"I think he stepped it up. He's always had a good attitude, but it's how much more consistent and how much more can you attack each day," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Watkins.
Second-year running back Jordan James contributed eight carries for 35 yards and caught one pass for 20 yards, despite a penalty that negated a late third-quarter touchdown.
"It was good to see him out there. He missed a ton of camp with his injury and then had the same thing last year... I was really excited to watch him tonight," Shanahan added.
Rookie defender Jaden Dugger led the team with 10 tackles, including five solo, and pressured Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
"He's a rookie who has an opportunity to be out there a bunch this year... He didn't have any setbacks with injuries," Shanahan noted.
The performances come as head coach Shanahan and general manager John Lynch prepare to finalize the 53-man roster, with the three players hoping to earn a spot based on their preseason showings.