Tanner Mordecai returned to the 49ers and flashed in the preseason finale, completing 10 of 13 passes for 103 yards with a TD and adding 12 rushing yards. The performance heightens his chances to land the Week 1 third-string job behind Purdy and Jones as San Francisco trims the roster by Tuesday.

Carter Bradley connected for a TD on eight completions, and Kurtis Rourke returns from ACL rehab with a real shot to claim the role. The Chargers served as the test, but the final decision will hinge on the cut-down deadline and depth-chart shuffles that will shape late-round fantasy leverage and betting angles.

San Francisco closed its preseason with a 30-23 win over Los Angeles, resting most starters but still evaluating depth as roster cuts loom. Nick Martin anchored the middle with eight tackles, a tackle-for-loss and a forced fumble that sparked SF’s second score, plus a standout fourth-quarter stop on special teams. Demarcus Robinson provided a veteran presence with two catches for 30 yards, including a 22-yard TD, while Jeff Wilson led SF’s backups with 41 rushing yards and a score. Tanner Mordecai steered the reserve unit, and Thomas Morstead logged seven punts for 314 yards, flipping field position multiple times. Curtis Robinson’s return of a DJ Uiagalelei turnover and a disruptive edge presence from Robert Beal and Trevis Gipson capped strong depth-showing for the Niners.

Carter Bradley exited San Francisco's preseason finale against the Chargers with a limp, forcing Tanner Mordecai into action as the Niners navigated a murky quarterback room. With Bradley’s status still undetermined and San Francisco rostering only two QBs, the team’s Week 1 plans at Seattle could hinge on the severity of the injury and Mordecai’s performance in relief.

Bradley, 25, arrived after Toledo and South Alabama stints and signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2024 before landing in San Francisco in July. If he cannot return, Mordecai’s ability to stay healthy becomes crucial, potentially shaping whether SF leans into gadget plays early or sticks to a more conventional approach with Brock Purdy at the helm and a battle looming for a deeper roster slot.