Three San Francisco 49ers who may have saved their jobs in preseason win over the New Orleans Saints

While the headlines immediately after the San Francisco 49ers' second preseason game concerned Brock Purdy's bizarre inclusion in a game featuring very few offensive starters, it carried far more significance for those near the bottom of the roster than the Niners' starting quarterback.

For those scrapping for a place on the 53 , opportunities to impress and secure their spot are running out, but three players who could be considered to be on the bubble may have gone a long way towards locking up a place with their efforts at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.

Let's look at three players who may have saved their job in the Niners' 16-10 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Jarrett Kingston

It can be difficult for sixth and seventh-round draft picks to crack the 53, especially on a roster as loaded as that of the 49ers.

But, after a second successive impressive showing, sixth-round rookie Jarrett Kingston might well have done enough to beat out some more experienced backups on the 49er offensive line.

After posting a clean sheet in not allowing a single pressure against the Tennessee Titans, Kingston showcased his versatility by playing both left and right guard versus New Orleans. Kingston was easily one of the best 49er offensive linemen on display, appearing extremely comfortable in pass protection regardless of where he lined up.

Kingston also possesses the versatility to play tackle and, as is the case with third-round right guard Dominick Puni, the 49ers are amassing more evidence they can rely on the USC product. With the tape Kingston is putting out there, the odds of the 49ers being able to sneak him on the practice squad are slim. San Francisco should not take that chance.

Jalen Graham

With the likes of Tatum Bethune and Dee Winters excelling against Tennessee, it was looking tough for Graham to mount a challenge to stay on the 53.

Bethune again impressed in week two of the preseason but, with Winters on the sideline with a minor knee injury, last year's seventh-round pick Graham made the most of the increased opportunity to boost his case.

Graham had an excellent game attacking downhill, registering five tackles and a sack as he reprised the kind of form that saw him catch the eye last preseason.

The problem Graham faces is simply the utter logjam at linebacker behind Fred Warner and De'Vondre Campbell, with Curtis Robinson joining Bethune and Graham in excelling against New Orleans in a game that served as another demonstration of the 49ers' superb depth at linebacker.

Still, after a quiet game against the Titans compared to some of the other linebackers on the team, this was a reminder of his abilities that should do his cause the power of good.

Darrell Luter Jr.

It's unclear whether the 49ers are looking to carry five or six cornerbacks on their active roster.

If it's five, then the depth chart looks likely to already be settled, with Isaac Yiadom and rookie Renardo Green likely to be the chief backups to starters Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir and Rock Ya-Sin's deal featuring close to $1 million in guaranteed money.

But the 49ers have long since made no secret of the fact they are high on 2023 fifth-rounder Luter, who missed most of his rookie season due to injury.

Luter helped ice the game on the final series, producing a physical pass breakup and then stopping a fourth-down shot into the endzone with tight downfield coverage on A.T. Perry.

The physicality he displayed in coverage and run support should greatly please San Francisco's coaching staff. Having flashed some special teams upside last season, Luter may have done just enough to convince the 49ers to keep six corners.

Related: Rookies continue to shine: Stock up, stock down for the 49ers after preseason victory over the Saints