Colin Kaepernick played well in the 49ers’ preseason finale, leading two scoring drives, and Christian Ponder and the defense mounted a fourth-quarter comeback for a 31-21 win over the Chargers.
As anticipated, Kaepernick kneeled before the national anthem with 240 military members on the field. Cameras surrounded him, and a surprise protest participant emerged in safety Eric Reid, who knelt next to Kaepernick. Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane sat out the anthem in Oakland.
Colin Kaepernick was standing and applauding with teammates as military members were recognized. "God Bless USA" was playing. #49ers
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 2, 2016
Overall, Kaepernick finished 11-for-18, passed for 103 yards and rushed for 38 yards. Granted, it came against Chargers backups, but Kaepernick was working with San Francisco’s second- and third-team units. His first drive of the game went 15 plays, 85 yards and ate up 8:18 on the clock before DuJuan Harris punched in a 1-yard touchdown. The two point conversion attempt failed.
Chip Kelly called mostly huddles for Kaepernick, who played the entire first half. While his performance likely wasn’t enough to convince Kelly he deserves to be the starter, Kaepernick proved he’s one of the best 53 men on the roster and playing time could be extended early in the season.
Rookie Joshua Garnett played the entire first half at left guard, while Zane Beadles sat out. That’s a good indication who has won the competition next to Joe Staley at left guard.
Rookie Rashard Robinson picked off a pass in the third quarter on an athletic leaping play. The fourth-round pick is expected to make the roster, but there is thick competition in the cornerback room.
Rookie quarterback Jeff Driskel went 1-for-4 for 3 yards and threw two interceptions. The bandwagon to keep him as the backup quarterback officially died Thursday in San Diego, although the practice squad seems like a safe spot for the sixth-round pick.
Christian Ponder rushed for a 1-yard touchdown with 5:53 left in the fourth quarter and added another five-yard scamper with 3:08 to go, giving the 49ers a 24-21 lead.
Linebacker Marcus Rush, who’s had a tremendous preseason while fighting for a roster spot, had a forced fumble, sack and interception.
Running back Kelvin Taylor scored from 10 yards out with 1:55 left to cap a 5-play, 30-yard, 55-second scoring drive to provide the final margin, 31-21 in favor of San Francisco.
The 49ers must trim their roster from 75 players to 53 by 1 p.m. on Saturday.