49ers' Preseason Finale Offers Mixed Signals for Roster Decisions

The 49ers beat the Raiders 18-12 in their preseason finale, with the kicking game deciding the outcome. Wide receiver Jordan Watkins had a poor showing, struggling on returns and giving up on a route. The second-string defense performed well against the Raiders' starters, while Kaelon Black looked stiff as a receiver.

The 49ers closed their exhibition slate with an 18-12 victory over Las Vegas, a game decided almost entirely by special teams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan sat all starters, giving extended looks to roster bubble players competing for final spots ahead of the team's Week 1 trip to Australia. The kicking battle highlighted how much of the preseason evaluation hinged on individual performances rather than the final score.

Receiver Jordan Watkins hurt his case significantly, showing poor burst and vision on a kickoff return and appearing to quit on a route from quarterback Mac Jones. Running back Kaelon Black also struggled in the passing game, running incorrect routes and looking stiff compared to his smooth rushing style. Meanwhile, rookie Jordan James impressed with explosive running, and undrafted lineman Carver Willis appears to have locked down the starting left guard job.