The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers finish up their preseason schedules tonight at Levi's Stadium in a game that will feature mostly backup players and players looking to capitalize on one last chance to prove to their team they belong on the roster this season. NFL teams have until Saturday at 1 p.m. PT to reduce their rosters to 53 players. For the 49ers and Chargers, they'll be using tonight's game to take one more look at the players they might consider keeping on the roster or later signing to the practice squad (signings can begin Sunday at 10 a.m. PT), while the players who are unlikely to make either will be using tonight's game as an opportunity to create some highlights that can catch the eye of other teams. The game will also mean the resolution to roster battles that have been taking place since the offseason. The 49ers in particular head into this game with unresolved battles for the final running back spots behind Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida; the sixth wide receiver spot, which will likely come down to Aldrick Robinson, Aaron Burbridge, and rookie Richie James; the third tight end spot, which will likely come down to Cole Hikutini and Cole Wick; the starting right guard spot, where Mike Person is currently a frontrunner but is getting pushed by Joshua Garnett; and the backup strong safety spot, which is currently wide open after the 49ers parted ways with Chanceller James last week. Players who aren't expected to play for the 49ers tonight due to injury include McKinnon (calf), Breida (shoulder), Burbridge (hamstring), wide receiver Dante Pettis (knee), cornerback Jimmie Ward (quad), and tight end George Kittle (shoulder). Others whose status is in doubt include linebacker Reuben Foster (concussion), running back Joe Williams (rib), and offensive tackle Garry Gilliam (concussion). Read on for more information on tonight's game, including where to see it on TV. Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) at San Francisco 49ers (1-2) Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California How to watch When: Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT TV: KPIX 5 San Francisco (Announcing crew - Ted Robinson, Tim Ryan); KABC-7 Los Angeles (Announcing crew - Spero Dedes, LaDanian Tomlinson) Other local markets scheduled to broadcast the game (via 506sports.com): KOVR (CBS/13 - Sacramento); KION (CBS/46 - Monterey CA); KSBY (NBC/6 - San Luis Obispo CA); KFRE (CW/59 - Fresno); KLAS (CBS/8 - Las Vegas); KOLO (ABC/8 - Reno NV); KRVU (My/22 - Chico CA); KECA (My/29.2 - Eureka CA); KMVU (FOX/26 - Medford OR); KVAL (CBS/13 - Eugene OR); KTVZ (NBC/21 - Bend OR); KITV (ABC/4 - Honolulu); KFMB (CBS/8 - San Diego); KMIR (NBC/6 - Palm Springs); KBAK (CBS/29 - Bakersfield); KGPE (CBS/47 - Fresno); KSWT (CBS/13 - Yuma AZ); KUCW (CW/30 - Salt Lake City); KGMB (CBS/5 - Honolulu) Stream: NFL Game Pass (subscription required) | Local live stream at 49ers.com Follow: CBS Sports App Radio: 49ers radio network Referee: Pete Morelli Line: 49ers -3.5, over/under 35.5 Overall series regular season record: Tied 7-7 Last regular season meeting: 12-20-2014; Chargers 38, 49ers 35 (OT)<doc-sep>After a pair of ineffective plays, the opening drive looked like a lost cause on 3rd & 8 until Geno Smith scrambled for a 1st down. A roughing the passer penalty and a 20-yard scramble moved the Chargers into 49ers territory. A 10-yard Newsome run kept the drive moving, but it eventually stalled out and Roberto Aguayo came on to kick a 36-yard field goal making him 2 for 2 during the preseason. Derwin James showed up immediately on the 49ers first snap with a run stop against Alfred Morris after 2 yards. Kyzir White got a top on the next play. And on 3rd down, Uchenna Nwosu collected his third sack of the preseason. J.J. Jones fielded the punt after a bounced and managed to fight for a few yards before being tackled. Detrez Newsome broke a big run on 1st down, but a holding penalty against Cole Toner brought it back. Still, it was an impressive play by Newsome. Ruben Foster quickly recognized and blew up a screen pass on the repeat down. Andre Patton hauled in a pass from Geno Smith and picked up a few yards after catch to bring up 3rd & 15. Smith tried to scramble on 3rd down, but he was tackled well short of the line to gain. Adrian Phillips made an excellent tackle after a long punt. Steven Richardson and Chris Landrum stuffed Raheem Mostert for a loss on 1st down. Nick Mullens underthrew Aldrick Robinson for an incomplete pass on 2nd. On 3rd & 10, Mullens threw too high and the ball hit the ground, but Phillips was flagged for a personal foul for his hit on the defenseless receiver to keep the drive alive. On the first play of the new set of downs, Chris Landrum beat his man inside to sack Mullens. Quick pressure flushed Mullens who scrambled for a few yards before giving himself up. Mullens looked for and missed Robinson on 3rd down to force a punt. Jackson saw a carry for no gain to start the drive. Smith found Anthony Manzo-Lewis on a short pass to pick up 5 yards on the next play. Smith’s pass fell incomplete on 3rd down and Drew Kaser boomed a 42-yard punt out of bounds. The first play of the drive was a 5-yard run by Mostert. On 2nd down, Landrum blew up Mullens and forced a fumble which the Chargers recovered. Three plays later including a sack, the Chargers settled for a field goal attempt that Caleb Sturgis nailed from 36 yards out. Mullens kept the ball on 1st down and rushed around right end for 11 yards and a new set of downs. Pressure of Landrum on the next play forced a quick and inaccurate pass that hit the turf. On 2nd down, Mostert caught a quick pass and came within a yard of a 1st down. Mostert got the call on 3rd & 1 and he forced his way up the middle past the line to gain. Nwosu made a nice tackle on Mostert on 1st down to hold him to a 2-yard gain. Malcolm Johnson beat Craig Mager and easily picked up another 1st down. Dwelley found an opening in coverage between Jatavis Brown and Adrian Phillips to pick up 21 yards across the middle. Jeremy McNichols came on for the next play and was topped for no gain. Mostert made a juggling catch to pick up 4 yards on 2nd down. Then on 3rd down, Steven Dunbar caught a 9-yard pass for yet another 1st down. The defense stood strong on 1st an goal from the 5 stopping Mostert for no gain. However, on 2nd down, Mullens rushed for the score after faking a handoff. Jones received the kickoff 3 yards deep in the end zone and managed to return it out to the 27-yard line. Artavis Scott appeared to injure his right leg on the play. Cardale Jones replaced Smith at quarterback to start the drive. Newsome broke through the line and rushed for 14 yards on 1st down. He added 7 on the next play and 4 more after that to keep the chains moving. Jones showed up in a non-special teams capacity on the next play picking up 4 yards on an endaround. Jones was sacked for a big loss on the following snap, but a facemask penalty wiped that out and instead gave another 1st down. Geremy Davis collected his first reception of the night as he hauled in a pass along the left sideline for 9 yards. Following the two-minute warning, Watson took a carry up the gut for only a yard. His next carry was more effective as he rushed 14 yards to the San Francisco 3. Jones tried to keep the ball himself on 1st & goal, but was easily stopped behind the line. Watson was able to run behind the right side for 4 yards and a touchdown as time expired in the half. Aguayo converted on the point after attempt. The Chargers went into the locker room up 13-7. On 1st & 20 following a holding call, McNichols broke a run back to the left and lost possession of the ball while being tackled by D’Juan Hines. The Chargers’ Tony Brown recovered and the play had to be reviewed, but the ruling on the field stood as the ball clearly came loose before he was down. Watson got the first touch of the drive and picked up 2 yards. He got the call again on 2nd down and picked up 3 more. On 3rd down, Jones was patient and waited for Andre Patton to come open in the end zone. From there it was an easy pitch and catch for 6 points. Sturgis converted the point after attempt. The 3-play drive made it 20-7 Chargers. On 1st down, pressure forced an errant pass from Mullens. On 2nd down, Mullens hit his man but Victor Bolden couldn’t secure the pass. On 3rd & 10, Brandon Facyson made a very nice play on the ball to break up the pass.<doc-sep>Get scoring updates, news and analysis on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. when the 49ers take on the Chargers in Los Angeles to close their preseason. Get 49ers news in your inbox. Sign up now for the free 49ers HQ newsletter. While starting linebacker Reuben Foster played for part of Thursday night’s game, most of the rest of the 49ers’ regulars were spectators. Quarterbacks Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard figure to split the snaps as the 49ers look to finish the practice season on a good note. Like our San Francisco 49ers Facebook page for more 49ers news, commentary and conversation.<doc-sep>Chargers vs. 49ers: First-half highlights, notes from preseason finale follow By Peter Panacy Aug 30, 2018 at 8:15 PM • Shop on Amazon to support this writer The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers find themselves locked in at a 13-7 score game in favor of the Bolts. Here are some tidbits and highlights from the first half. As something of a surprise, the San Francisco 49ers elected to give linebacker Reuben Foster and defensive end Solomon Thomas a start in the team's final preseason bout of 2018 Thursday night. Foster, who suffered a concussion earlier in the preseason, has cleared the NFL's protocol on head injuries, which is good. But the Niners' defensive star early on was Thomas, who had two tackles, both of which were for a loss. Like Chargers might want to block Solomon Thomas. pic.twitter.com/mpmQnmYRai — Dylan DeSimone (@DylanADeSimone) August 31, 2018 Foster also added two tackles, Never a doubt by Foster where the ball was going. pic.twitter.com/Zqj50Y1qmU — Dylan DeSimone (@DylanADeSimone) August 31, 2018 San Francisco didn't get much going on its first offensive drive, however, after the defense gave up an opening Chargers field goal. In his only drive of the game, quarterback C.J. Beathard didn't attempt a pass but took a sack by Los Angeles EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, who beat 49ers left tackle Darrell Williams Jr. Williams gave up another sack on No. 3 quarterback Nick Mullens, who relieved Beathard after his first and only offensive drive. Williams' chances to make the 53-man roster were slim, at best, so tonight's effort won't help matters much. Watch #49ers' LT Darrell Williams on this play -- he literally falls flat on his face. He's had a baaad first half. pic.twitter.com/l2qIEdjmMy — Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) August 31, 2018 Neither will Mullens tripping again, which led to a recovered fumble by the Chargers. They scored three points off the turnover to go up 6-0. Meanwhile, 49ers defenders Sheldon Day, This @NickMullens TD puts the #49ers ahead! Catch #LACvsSF on @KPIXtv or stream live on https://t.co/vpdsX5I39D pic.twitter.com/xEFFxQ0m1f — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 31, 2018 L.A. added a late touchdown to take the 13-7 lead -- a four-yard rush by Chargers running back Terrell Watson as time expired. Overall, the Niners managed just 57 yards of offense over the first half, compared to 111 mustered by the Chargers. It's preseason, though, so those numbers are about as important as preseason win-loss records. Written by: Peter Panacy Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account. @PeterPanacy As something of a surprise, the San Francisco 49ers elected to give linebacker Reuben Foster and defensive end Solomon Thomas a start in the team's final preseason bout of 2018 Thursday night. Foster, who suffered a concussion earlier in the preseason, has cleared the NFL's protocol on head injuries, which is good. But the Niners' defensive star early on was Thomas, who had two tackles, both of which were for a loss.Like this one Foster also added two tackles, one of which was for a loss:San Francisco didn't get much going on its first offensive drive, however, after the defense gave up an opening Chargers field goal. In his only drive of the game, quarterback C.J. Beathard didn't attempt a pass but took a sack by Los Angeles EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, who beat 49ers left tackle Darrell Williams Jr.Williams gave up another sack on No. 3 quarterback Nick Mullens, who relieved Beathard after his first and only offensive drive. Williams' chances to make the 53-man roster were slim, at best, so tonight's effort won't help matters much.Neither will Mullens tripping again, which led to a recovered fumble by the Chargers. They scored three points off the turnover to go up 6-0.Meanwhile, 49ers defenders Sheldon Day, D.J. Jones and Ronald Blair had strong first halves. Day and Jones are locks to make the roster, although Blair is certainly on the bubble. Despite a questionable roughing-the-passer penalty early in the game, Blair's efforts resulted in a three-tackle, one-sack performance -- necessary in ensuring a chance at a roster spot.San Francisco's offense struggled to get much rhythm, however, and was still in negative yardage midway through the second quarter. Tight end Cole Hikutini, who is battling for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart, had more drop issues. But those didn't stop Mullens from a four-yard zone-read touchdown scamper at the 5:54 mark of the second quarter.L.A. added a late touchdown to take the 13-7 lead -- a four-yard rush by Chargers running back Terrell Watson as time expired.Overall, the Niners managed just 57 yards of offense over the first half, compared to 111 mustered by the Chargers. It's preseason, though, so those numbers are about as important as preseason win-loss records. More San Francisco 49ers News 49ers-Raiders returns to preseason schedule in 2021 By David Bonilla May 13, 2021 Lost in the 2021 NFL schedule release's manufactured hoopla was the return of a preseason rivalry matchup. No, it won't be during the regular season. It is a preseason matchup. The NFL is reducing the preseason to three games after eliminating it entirely for one season in 2020 due to the pandemic, and after adding a week to the regular season. The San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders — then in Oakland — faced each other in an annual exhibition matchup for 11 consecutive seasons between 2001 and 2011. The rivalry game, previously labeled as the "Battle of the Bay," returns in 2021, with the Raiders scheduled to visit Levi's Stadium to close out the three-game preseason schedule. San Francisco opens its exhibition schedule by hosting 49ers announce dates and times of three preseason games By David Bonilla May 21, 2021 Today, the San Francisco 49ers announced the dates and times of the team's three preseason games. We already knew the opponents, which were revealed during the 2021 NFL schedule release.<doc-sep>
SANTA CLARA — This is the live for the 49ers preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. I will update this with information and analysis from the press box. 6:30 The following players are in uniform for today’s game: LB Reuben Foster DT Solomon Thomas DT Jullian Taylor OG Joshua Garnett WR Trent Taylor RB Alfred Morris WR Aldrick Robinson WR Richie James WR Kendrick Bourne RB Raheem Mostert 6:33 The following players are not in uniform: DT Arik Armstead OT Mike McGlinchey OG Mike Person C Weston Richburg WR Dante Pettis RB Joe Williams 7:04 The Chargers will receive the opening kickoff. 7:17 Geno Smith leads the Chargers 57 yards for a field goal. Smith scrambled twice for first downs — once on third-and-8, and once on second-and-14. Both times, the 49ers defense had poor gap integrity. 7:22 The 49ers go three-and-out. Alfred Morris started at running back and gained five yards total on his first two carries. On third down, backup left tackle Darrell Williams Jr. gave up a sack to rookie Uchenna Nwosu. The 49ers could have had him, but drafted Dante Pettis instead. 7:28 The Chargers commit a holding penalty on first down and can’t recover. They go three-and-out. Reuben Foster made a six-yard tackle for loss on a screen pass to the running back. 7:36 Nick Mullens replaces Beathard at quarterback, misses his first two pass attempts and the 49ers punt. They have just one NFL-caliber quarterback on their roster. 7:41 The Chargers go three-and-out. Geno Smith is bad. 7:43 On second-and-5, Mullens trips, misses the handoff, gets sacked and fumbles. Whew. The Chargers recover at the 49ers 13. 7:45 The Chargers go backward. On third down, Smith holds the ball forever then runs into a sack. Sheldon Day got him. The Chargers kick a field goal and quietly lead 6-0. 7:56 On second-and-goal from the four-yard line, Kyle Shanahan calls a zone-read play. Mullens keeps the ball and runs into the end zone for the touchdown. The Niners lead 7-6. 8:13 Cardale Jones leads the Chargers on a 73-yard touchdown drive. The Chargers lead 13-7. 8:30 Jeremy McNichols fumbles and the Chargers recover. 8:35 On third-and-goal from the five, Jones throws a touchdown pass to Andre Patton. And the Chargers lead 20-7.