The NFL audience on Saturday got its last good preview of the 2018 49ers before their Week 1 contest in Minnesota. The third preseason game, which is largely a dress rehearsal for the year, provided more clarity as to how the starting lineup and even final roster may shake out.
With the information they have in hand, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch need to be prepared to trim the roster down to 53 men by 1:00 p.m. PT on September 1. Lynch on more than one occasion mentioned that it will be tough this year, citing that some of the players they release will play for other teams this season.
Given what's taken place over the first three preseason games, here's what the 49ers' final roster could look like once final cuts are made:
QB (2): Jimmy Garoppolo, C.J. Beathard RB (4): Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida, Alfred Morris, Raheem Mostert FB (1): Kyle Juszczyk WR (6): Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis, Trent Taylor, Kendrick Bourne, Richie James TE (3): George Kittle, Garrett Celek, Cole Hikutini
OT (3): Joe Staley, Mike McGlinchey, Garry Gilliam
OG (4): Joshua Garnett, Laken Tomlinson, Jonathan Cooper, Mike Person C (1): Weston Richburg
DL/EDGE (11): DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas, Earl Mitchell, Arik Armstead, Cassius Marsh, D.J. Jones, Sheldon Day, Ronald Blair, Jeremiah Attaochu, Jullian Taylor, Dekoda Watson LB (5): Fred Warner, Malcolm Smith, Brock Coyle, Pita Taumoepenu, Mark Nzeocha CB (6): Richard Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon, K'Waun Williams, Tarvarius Moore, Jimmie Ward, Greg Mabin S (4): Jaquiski Tartt, Adrian Colbert, Chanceller James, D.J. Reed
K (1): Robbie Gould P (1): Bradley Pinion LS (1): Kyle Nelson
Suspended: LB Reuben Foster (2 games) Non-football injury: DL Kentavius Street (knee) Injured reserve: OL Erik Magnuson (hamstring), S Marcell Harris (hamstring)
Not seeing a player on the 53? Questions about the lineup? Comment below or pick up the conversation with us on Twitter.
Media courtesy Brian Spurlock/USA Today Sports Images