There are no major surprises on the 49ers' first offensive depth chart of the season.
Quarterback
The order: Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Josh Johnson, Scott Tolzien
For Colin Kaepernick to hang on to the primary backup role, he'll likely have to perform better than last year's preseason when he finished with a 23.9 passer rating -- last among qualifying QBs.
Kaepernick's goal this preseason is simple:
"To show that I can be a starter in this league," he said. "I want to go out, perform my best, and show everybody what I'm capable of."
All four QBs are expected to see comparable playing time as the 49ers open their preseason schedule Friday at home against Minnesota.
Running back
The order: Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, Brandon Jacobs, LaMichael James, Rock Cartwright
Notice there is no sign of Anthony Dixon, who is now being listed as the backup to Bruce Miller at FB. Dixon asked for a hybrid role between RB and FB before the start of camp.
With the diversity in the skill sets among the backs, it's almost unfair to list a depth chart. Jacobs won't be called upon to carry the ball in the same manner as either Hunter or James and vice versa.
Wide receiver (Z)
The order: Michael Crabtree, Kyle Williams, A.J. Jenkins, Joe Hastings, Nathan Palmer, Brian Tyms.
Based on the depth chart and coach Jim Harbaugh's reluctance to talk about A.J. Jenkins' first-year role, it should be assumed he's still got work to do to see the field. Michael Crabtree returned to practice in a limited capacity Monday after a week away, and his status for Friday's game will likely be a last-minute decision according to OC Greg Roman.
"I should [play]," Crabtree said Tuesday. "I don't think the ones are going that much Friday."
Wide receiver (X)
The order: Randy Moss or Mario Manningham or Ted Ginn Jr., Brett Swain, Chris Owusu, Ben Hannula.
Realistically, Randy Moss should be listed alone at No. 1, but depending on the play call, Mario Manningham could be on the field for the first play of the game. Pay no attention to Ted Ginn's name being listed along with the other two. His role is return man first and receiver second. Chris Owusu has had a quiet camp, so it'll be interesting to see how he performs in games compared to Brett Swain.
Left tackle
The order: Joe Staley, Alex Boone, Derek Hall, Kenny Wiggins
If Joe Staley is injured, Alex Boone shifts from RG to LT and veteran Leonard Davis gets plugged in at RG. Derek Hall and Kenny Wiggins don't figure to be around when the season starts.
Left guard
The order: Mike Iupati, Daniel Kilgore, Joe Looney, Garrett Chisholm
Joe Looney's late start in training camp due to a foot injury made this order an easy call. Once he's healthy, he'll challenge Kilgore for the No. 2 spot. Leonard Davis is also an option to backup Iupati. Davis has said he's more comfortable on the left side, but is working primarily on the right side because he's contending for the starting job.
Center
The order: Jonathan Goodwin, Daniel Kilgore, Chase Beeler, Jason Slowey
Coming out of a Division II school, rookie Jason Slowey has a tough transition ahead of him, regardless of how strong he is -- and he's freakishly strong. Kilgore gets the nod ahead of Beeler, a former first-team AP All-American at Stanford and a practice-squad player last season.
Right guard
The order: Alex Boone, Leonard Davis, Mike Person, Al Netter
The combination of Alex Boone and Leonard Davis represents the only unresolved starting position on offense. Boone will have every opportunity to win the job, but with Davis, a former All Pro, behind him, Boone won't get any favors from the coaching staff. He'll have to earn it.
Right tackle
The order: Anthony Davis, Mike Person, Derek Hall, Kenny Wiggins
It's hard to imagine that Anthony Davis' true backup isn't Alex Boone, but the team elected to list Mike Person.
Tight end
The order: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Nate Byham, Konrad Reuland, Garrett Celek, Kyle Nelson
There's no sign of Demarcus Dobbs on the depth chart, but he also factors into the equation. The real battle is between Nate Byham and Konrad Reuland for the No. 3 spot.
Fullback
The order: Bruce Miller, Anthony Dixon, Cameron Bell
If Anthony Dixon is going to make the team, it'll be because he shows he's valuable at FB in addition to his duties with every special teams unit. Bruce Miller made an easy transition from college defensive end to full back last year and is expected to make another significant jump this season.
Follow 49ers reporter Kyle Bonagura on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLSF and @KyleBonagura.Like 49ers Rapid Reports on Facebook