The San Francisco 49ers recently secured a 16-10 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints, showcasing several promising players, particularly rookie wide receiver Cowing, who caught three passes, including a notable 38-yard reception. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed frustration over the inconsistent performance of rookies, leading to a canceled walkthrough to allow them extra practice time. Key players like left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are currently absent due to contract disputes, raising questions about the team's depth. Rookies Malik Mustapha and Dominick Puni are under scrutiny as they vie for starting roles, with Mustapha earning praise for his aggressive play. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for these newcomers as they aim to solidify their positions ahead of the regular season. Shanahan's decisions reflect a focus on balancing rookie development with the immediate needs of the team during preseason games.