With the 53-man roster deadline looming, the Chargers’ final preseason test against the 49ers spotlights a high-stakes bubble battle. Expect a sprint to impress from rookies, backups and long shots as the coaching staff emphasizes the 53-man limit and 17 practice squad spots. The evening features a quarterback duel that could influence premium fantasy rosters, plus a running back trio jockeying for reps, a cornerback position battle and a linebacking push that could alter depth charts heading into Week 1.

Trey Lance and Taylor Heinicke headline the quarterback intrigue, with Lance carrying a slight edge in efficiency and mobility through three games. A potential trio-QB arrangement remains on the table, depending on Herbert’s health and how the Chargers value future upside. In the backfield, Raheim Sanders has flashed playmaking ability, but Hasan Haskins and Kimani Vidal bring familiarity and special-teams value that could decide the final two spots. Nikko Reed has made plays all camp, and Marlowe Wax has drawn locker-room praise for his energy and versatility, both offering late-round darts for fantasy rosters. The Harbaugh-Santa Clara subplot adds a veteran rivalry flavor to the night, underscoring the stakes of a preseason finale that could sharpen decisions for many fantasy rosters.