49ers drama: Nick Bosa holdout, Trey Lance traded, preseason game observations

What a day.

First, Ian Rapoport reported that Nick Bosa could miss the opener because he's not really negotiating with the 49ers. Apparently he has decided what he wants his contract to look like, and he's not budging off of it.

Then the 49ers traded Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2014 4th-round draft pick. Apparantly, Lance requested he be traded after learning that Sam Darnold was going to be the backup quarterback. This one hurts a little. Not only did the 49ers trade Lance, but they traded him to the hated Cowboys. If he becomes a great QB for them, I'm throat-punching Joan in Payroll.

The day didn't get any better when it was annouced that the team lost both kickers, Jake Moody and Zane Gonzalez. What's next? Is Kyle Williams going to be brought back to return punts?

There was a preseason game, by the way. It's not too often that the game is less of a news item than three other things. But today was one of those days.

Here are my observations from the 49ers 23-12 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

• Jordan Mason has put the ball on the ground too much during training camp and preseason. That could cost him the role of RB3.

• Brandon Aiyuk is going to have a huge year.

• Ronnie Bell not only will make the team, he may end up making an impact this season.
• Brock Purdy and the offense looked sharp. And that was without Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams.
• 49ers Special Teams, on the other hand…
• How are both 49ers kickers injured? It's like they think they're the San Francisco quarterbacks or something. Hopefully they're not out too long. If they are, is this the opportunity to call Robbie Gould?
• Nick Zakelj is terrible. I'll be stunned if he makes this team.

• Purdy moved the ball well. Darnold came in and the offense immediately stalled. Coincidence?

• Javon Kinlaw had a nice first half.
• His second half didn't go as well.
• Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles had a good game. I didn't think he'd make the team, but he may have proven me wrong.
• Isaiah Oliver stinks.
• Jalen Graham can really play. Let's hope the 49ers don't trade him to Dallas in a few years.
• Chris Conley keeps making plays. It's going to be tough for him to make the team, but he deserves it.

• Both Mason and Ty Davis-Price ran the ball well in this game.
• Jaylon Moore bounced back and had a good game.
• The 49ers defense has struggled to stop the run all preseason.
• This game was brutal to watch once the starters were out. And with all the news of the day, it was hard to focus on the game itself.

Next up is real football on September 10th in Pittsburgh. Who do you have winning that one? Does Bosa's potential absence change your prediction?

It will likely influence my pick.

• Marc Adams
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