Malcom Floyd San Diego Chargers
An early injury to San Diego receiver Malcom Floyd kick started a rash of injuries to the Chargers receiving corps. Reuters

Heading into the final preseason game of the year, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha won’t have to worry about his job.

It was reported the former “best corner alive,” has secured his place as the No. 3 cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, a day ahead of their matchup with the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.

Asomugha’s situation is unusual considering many players on the bubble won’t find out if they made the final roster until after the last preseason game of the year. Bay Area Sports keyed on battles at linebacker and at safety for San Francisco.

Nick Moody and Cam Johnson have both been impressive during the preseason as has Dan Skuta. Johnson is trying to stave off Skuta from taking his No. 2 spot at left outside linebacker, while Moody gives head coach Jim Harbaugh some depth in the middle while All-Pro Patrick Willis recovers from hand surgery.

Michael Thomas, Trenton Robinson, and Ray Ventrone are all competing for one of the last San Francisco safety spots. Ventrone could play a dual role on the punt team, so it may come down to Thomas and Robinson.

The 49ers have rolled off two straight victories, including a 34-14 drubbing of Minnesota last week. Rookie Anthony Dixon and four-year running back Jewel Hampton each came up with rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and both are in line for the third rushing spot should the 49ers want some extra insurance for Frank Gore.

The Chargers and their fans lucked out with the NFL granting an extension so they could avoid a blackout of Thursday’s game, as San Diego hopes to build off their 24-7 victory over Arizona in Week Three of the preseason.

Foswhitt Whitaker made his case to be the third running back with a five-yard scamper for a touchdown, but there are still questions surrounding the Chargers depleted wide receiving corps. San Diego had to place wide outs Mike Willie and Dan DePalma on injured reserve on Tuesday, further crippling a team that already lost Malcom Floyd and Eddie Royal for most of the preseason.

Floyd is expected to play in Week One, while Royal has a bruised lung and concussion, opening up an opportunity for others like second year receiver Ladarius Green, who has made plenty of noise this preseason with a team-high eight catches for 161 yards and two scores.

The game coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET and a live online stream is available by subscription on the NFL’s official site here.

TV Channel

For San Francisco, the game will be on KPIX-TV, and KFMB-TV will broadcast for San Diego.

Betting Odds: Even

Over/Under: 38 points

Prediction: San Francisco 24, San Diego 14

NFL Arizona National Football League Qualcomm