For those members of the 49ers’ roster who have not impressed in training camp and preseason, time is running out.

The Niners host the Broncos in the second preseason game on Saturday, the penultimate in-game audition for those vying for roster spots or involved in position battles.

The third and final preseason game has often been reserved for players most likely trying to capture the attention of another team or earn a place on the practice squad, though the 49ers did play some starters last year.

So for these three Niners players whose performances have attracted negative attention, the meeting with Denver is one in which they must impress.

3 49ers players who must impress against the Broncos

Cameron Latu

When the 49ers selected Latu in the third round, it is unlikely they anticipated him forgetting how to hold on to the ball.

But that is what has happened as camp has progressed, with Latu reportedly growing increasingly frustrated this week as the drops have mounted.

Last week against the Raiders, Latu fumbled at the end of a nine-yard reception and committed a holding penalty on a kick return.

The former Alabama tight end has produced little to vindicate that selection and now there is even talk that the third-highest pick of the 49ers in this year’s draft could be the odd man out at his position. 

It’s imperative for Latu to impress against the Broncos to ensure he is not looking for a new home come cutdown day.

Isaiah Oliver

Once seen as a lock for the starting nickel job, Oliver’s position on the depth chart is unclear after he endured a dismal debut against the Raiders, giving up four receptions and a touchdown pass on which he displayed a distinct lack of awareness.

The 49ers have a host of alternatives for inside corner and it looks increasingly possible that Oliver will not be able to re-establish his grip on a slot role that appeared to be his to lose.

But the 49ers and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks clearly thought highly enough of Oliver to give him a two-year contract. A reminder of what inspired that decision is what’s needed from Oliver to help make sure he at least has a part to play from the slot in 2023.

Trey Lance

Saving the most obvious one for last, it really is now or never for Lance if he is to have a hope of salvaging his 49ers career.

Worryingly gun shy for much of the first half in the loss to the Raiders last week, Lance will have to wait until the second half of the Denver game to put that unconvincing and hesitant display behind him.

Sam Darnold will be the first non-Brock Purdy quarterback on the field after outperforming Lance last week.

Theoretically, the situation should be in Lance’s favor in the second half when he will get the chance to face many of Denver’s third string. A failure to take advantage would only increase the negative attention on Lance and likely hasten what looks an inevitable parting of the ways with the Niners.

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With most of training camp now in the books, it may be difficult for any of this trio to change the impressions Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff have of them at this point. However, opportunities in the NFL are limited and this triumvirate cannot waste this change to change the perception around them.

What to watch for as the 49ers host the Broncos in preseason

Brock Purdy could play a cameo role for San Francisco.

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