Undrafted players score touchdowns

SAN DIEGO – One survived gunshot wounds to return to the field.

The other played college football in New Orleans post-Katrina.

Each reached the NFL as undrafted free agents and were by no means locks to make the roster even with big games at San Francisco.

But scoring touchdowns never hurt the cause for a pair of guys with stories that make them easy to appreciate.

Jeremy Williams slipped through a number of tackles on a weaving, 93-yard punt return for a touchdown during the third quarter that would’ve placed him second in team history in the regular season.

It was his fourth punt return and the first he’d taken more than three yards.

“I actually had some room. I had a chance to return it and read my blocks,” said Williams, who finished the preseason with five receptions for 51 yards. “The last couple ones, I fair-catched them. Tonight I had a chance to look and actually set up the return.”

Curtis Brinkley skied for a two-yard touchdown that included a vertical cartwheel and ended on his neck.

Brinkley made his mark on the stat sheet, rushing for 57 yards on 4.4 yards per carry. His leaping touchdown, too, showed a bit of toughness.

“I knew I was going over the top when the play was called,” Brinkley said. “I didn’t want to try to get through the line of scrimmage and don’t score and then we run a quarterback sneak. I just wanted to take advantage of my opportunity when I had the time.”

Brinkley, who suffered gunshot wounds last summer and spent the season on Reserve-Injured after the Chargers signed him as an undrafted free agent, said he’s not sure another team would’ve given him an opportunity in training camp and was gracious toward the organization.

The running back also made a tackle to save a touchdown after Manny Lawson tipped and intercepted a pass.

Together they provided all the points necessary for a San Diego comeback in two minutes, seven seconds of game time. The Bolts eventually lost, but the outcome lost relevance as quickly as the scoreboard darkened at Candlestick Park – the 49ers and Chargers each start the season 0-0 – but Williams and Brinkley will have to wait two days to find out whether their play retains significance.

San Diego must reduce its roster to 53 by Saturday afternoon.

“I felt like I needed to have a good game today to show that I can come back and that I am progressing gradually,” Williams said. “After I came off the field, I looked up and I was like, ‘You know I put everything I could into it. Whatever happens, happens.’ As of right now it’s out of my control.”

Seyi Ajirotutu also finished the preseason with seven catches for 145 yards. But special teams likely will play a part in the final selections, and it may not come down to receiver vs. receiver or running back vs. running back.

“Those guys are not only competing against each other, they’re also competing against some guys that play linebacker, some guys that play safety,” Turner said. “Those are the tough decisions that we’re going to have to make.”

TURNOVERS GALORE: Frequent substitutions weren’t the only factor that contributed to a disjointed rhythm.

San Francisco and San Diego combined for seven turnovers Thursday, including five interceptions.

The Chargers picked off backup quarterback Nate Davis twice. Darrell Stuckey disrupted his second-quarter pass to backup tight end Nate Byham, delivering a well-timed pop that plopped the ball into Brandon Siler’s hands.

Cornerback Fred Bennett recorded an interception during the second half despite having never practiced with the Chargers. San Diego claimed him off waivers from Houston on Tuesday

Brandon Lang capped his preseason with bookend turnovers. After he blocked a punt against the Bears that resulted in a safety, Lang recovered a fumble at the San Diego 7 that Quinton Teal caused with a hit on Jehuu Caulcrick.

CARRIES FOR TOLBERT: Mike Tolbert got his most extensive action of the preseason on the first drive alone.

The 5-foot-9, 243-pound fullback accounted for all six San Diego plays and had another gain negated by a holding penalty.

He finished the game with 50 total yards of offense on eight touches. His 23 preseason carries were second on the team to Ryan Mathews (34) as he shifted to more of a ball-carrier than he was during his first two seasons out of Coastal Carolina.

STRONG SHOWING: Buster Davis caught four passes for 82 yards in the preseason finale, including a 47-yard reception from Billy Volek into double coverage.

Davis didn’t make a catch against Dallas after a hip injury limited him during the week, but made seven receptions for 123 yards against New Orleans and San Francisco.

He’s stated multiple times throughout the preseason his main focus is staying healthy and contributing during the regular season, but the final two games put him in good position to do just that.

BOLTS: Antwan Applewhite’s sack was his fourth of the preseason. It was also the fourth consecutive game the outside linebacker recorded a tackle for loss … Stuckey led the team with seven tackles in his most extensive action of the preseason. The rookie strong safety also made a tackle on special teams … Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Ryan Mathews, Malcom Floyd, Brandyn Dombrowski, Stephen Cooper, Luis Castillo, Quentin Jammer and Shaun Phillips all starters, did not play.