The latest 49ers 53-man roster projection — serious issues in the trenches

The 49ers have already played two preseason games, and yet the team’s roster seems as unsettled as ever.

A lot of that has to do with two All-Pro players, Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Taylor, skipping practices amid contract negotiations.

Even more of it has to do with this team’s never-ending cycle of injuries.

Cut down day is a week away (Aug. 27). The Niners need to submit their answers to this strange test by then.

Here’s my best guess on who sticks and who goes:

Quarterback (3)

Brock Purdy, Josh Dobbs, Brandon Allen

A small thing here, but Dobbs seems to be the new No. 2 for the Niners. I’d expect all three to make the team, though. Has Tanner Mordecai (who looked solid Sunday) justified eating $700k on Allen’s contract? Doubtful.

Out: Tanner Mordecai

Fullback (1)

Kyle Juszczyk

Running Back (4)

Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, J.P. Mason, Cody Schrader, Isaac Guerendo (IR – designated)

Out: Matt Breida, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Patrick Taylor

There’s nothing new here. Mitchell and Guerendo aren’t practicing, but the former is expected to be back on the practice field before the regular season. Watch this space. As for Schrader, the game action has not impressed, but he is being used on special teams and made a nice tackle Sunday. I don’t see a reason why the Niners would risk him leaving the team post-cut when they were able to sign Matt Breida and Ke’Shawn Vaughn mid-camp.

Wide Receiver (6)

Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, Chris Conley

Out: Trent Taylor, Ronnie Bell, Tay Martin, Jontre Kirkland, Robbie Chosen

No changes. Taylor is playing three-plus quarters in preseason games. Seeing as he’s not a viable kick-return option with the new rules, it’s highly unlikely he makes the roster.

Tight End (3)

George Kittle, Brayden Willis, Eric Saubert

Out: Cam Latu, Jake Tonges, Mason Pline

The Niners would be foolish to carry four. They’d be even more foolish to carry Latu, who has shown next to nothing in camp and in games. Another bust of a third-round pick.

Offensive Line (10)

Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz, Jaylon Moore, Spencer Burford, Nick Zakelj, Jarrett Kingston, Drake Nugent

Out: Ben Bartch, Chris Hubbard, Brandon Parker, Jon Feliciano, Sebastian Gutierrez, Lewis Kidd, Isaac Alarcon

This might be a bit of wish casting, but Nugent has been impressive as a center (not so much at guard), and the Niners really like Kingston as a depth piece on the interior.

And at this point, with Aaron Banks and Jon Feliciano injured, the Niners can’t afford to jettison Nick Zakelj.

This team goes from an average offensive line to perhaps the worst in the league without Trent Williams. Get the man signed.