SANTA CLARA — Exhibition finales are for backup players, even on a 49ers franchise that was coming off a 2-14 season only a year ago.
For the quarterback who’s road-blocked behind Jimmy Garoppolo, Thursday’s start against the Los Angeles Chargers gives C.J. Beathard perhaps his final snaps until next summer, barring a Garoppolopian catastrophe.
For the wide receiver unit, perhaps the Nos. 5 or 6 spots are still up for grabs, and if sixth-year veteran Aldrick Robinson still needs to prove his worth, he’s up for the challenge against the Chargers.
For the tight end crew, Cole Wick is looking to unseat Cole Hikutini as the No.