49ers dominate Chargers in preseason, rookie standouts emerge

San Francisco defeated Los Angeles 41-17 on Thursday in the second preseason game of the NFL season. The win gave the 49ers a chance to evaluate several young players ahead of the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

Rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling added four catches for 46 yards on five targets, bringing his preseason totals to 11 receptions for 109 yards. Third-round pick Kaelon Black, returning from an adductor injury, recorded 33 rushing yards on eight carries and was highlighted for his pass-blocking effort.

Fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing returned an 83-yard punt for a touchdown, reinforcing his claim for a roster spot despite a nullified 36-yard return earlier in the game. Quarterback Brock Purdy completed four of six passes for 29 yards in a single series, showing command of the offense without key starters.

The running-back group remains unsettled; backups posted solid numbers, with Sincere McCormick posting 53 rushing yards and a touchdown on a 37-yard run that set up the first score. Defensive back Adrian Martinez threw two interceptions, including a pick-six, but then led a 74-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown and later contributed to two more scores.

The left-guard competition continued, with Carver Willis starting, followed by Austen Pleasants, who left the game with an injury, and later Connor Colby. The team has not yet determined the starter for the regular season.

Overall, the 49ers used the game to assess depth at several positions as they approach the start of the regular season.