Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers kick off their preseason schedule at Levi’s Stadium as they will take on Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos on Saturday. Thursday’s joint practice was very spirited, with both starting units (for the most part) facing off in red-zone and move-the-ball periods. With the rigors of a 17-game season, most teams don’t run their starters out for the preseason opener. However, it is challenging to get through games without at least a few starters getting some snaps.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Deommodore Lenoir, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Mykel Williams, and Kyle Juszczyk will not play on Saturday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about whether starters would be on the field on Saturday.
“I never like to decide until after this practice. Won’t play a ton of them. Doesn’t mean that we’ll rest all 22. But don’t expect to see a lot out there.”
But what players have the most to gain by playing against Denver on Saturday?
Dee Winters
There is a chance the front runner for the second linebacker spot sits on Saturday, but it might be beneficial for the third-year linebacker to get at least a series or two for extra reps and confidence. I understand holding Winters out with all the injuries up and down the roster, but Winters can build on his stellar training camp and continue to understand his role in Robert Saleh’s new look defense.
Luke Gifford will be on the field a ton on Saturday, but Winters could stand to benefit from a little action on Saturday before giving way to Tatum Bethune, Chazz Surratt, and rookie Nick Martin.
Jason Pinnock
Pinnock will likely start Week 1 against Seattle. Saleh has praised Pinnock’s talent and maturity, but Pinnock could use extra live reps against Denver to solidify his spot on the defense. Richie Grant will likely get the start next to Pinnock, and with Ji’Ayir Brown working through his ankle injury, there is a possibility both will be forced into the Week 1 lineup.
C.J. West
The fourth-round pick has earned praise across the board from observers in training camp, and as a rookie, he has a chance to gain valuable experience against competition. The former Indiana University defensive tackle will see his first NFL game action on Saturday against players fighting for their football lives. West and Alfred Collins will play side by side and build rapport as the future of the 49ers’ defensive line.
Jordan Watkins
Thursday’s joint practice was a big day for Watkins, as the rookie won a rep against one of the best cornerbacks (Patrick Surtain II) in football during the red zone period, and scored on a deep pass in one-on-ones. Given the injuries to the receiving core, Watkins will play substantial snaps. For a player who may have a serious role in Week 1, especially if Jauan Jennings isn’t ready for the opener, Watkins will need to...
