Shanahan: Most 49ers starters will not play in preseason opener

The San Francisco 49ers will take a cautious approach to their preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, with head coach Kyle Shanahan confirming that most of the team’s starters will not play Thursday night.

Speaking with the media Tuesday following San Francisco’s joint practice with Tennessee, Shanahan said the team has already determined a general plan for playing time, although the final decisions could change based on injuries.

“We have, but we haven’t told any of the players yet,” Shanahan said. “There won’t be many starters playing. We’ll see with injuries today and stuff. That doesn’t mean none, but we’ve got to balance that out.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 23: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sideline during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

That means the preseason opener is likely to provide a much longer look at San Francisco’s younger players and roster hopefuls rather than the established core of the team.

The 49ers have already been dealing with several notable absences. Christian McCaffrey has been held out of recent practices with tightness, while Nick Bosa is dealing with soreness and tendonitis in his surgically repaired knee.

Shanahan said there is no major concern with Bosa, calling the issue “a pretty normal thing with ACLs” and saying the team needs to be smart with the defensive star on a week-to-week basis.

McCaffrey’s absence is also viewed as precautionary. Shanahan said the bigger concern would be allowing the running back to push through tightness and potentially suffer a more significant injury.

“Our concern would be him toughing through tightness, as a lot of people do, and then hurting something bad and pulling something, which then it could be a month,” Shanahan said. “Christian’s a guy who needs to get prepared for Week One, but we’re pretty confident what he’s done before this.”

Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

With McCaffrey and several other running backs unavailable, Deebo Samuel has received additional work in the backfield. Brock Purdy said having Samuel available has been particularly valuable.

“What Deebo can do is awesome,” Purdy said. “He can run routes on the outside, in the slot, come back in the backfield, run routes, can run the ball from the backfield.”

One player who could benefit from additional preseason opportunities is rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who has impressed Shanahan since returning from a week-long absence.

“We love his talent. We love the character and just how he plays,” Shanahan said. “The way he attacks it each day, I think each day he’s got better and better.”

Thursday’s game should ultimately serve as an extended evaluation for those competing for roster spots and playing-time roles, while San Francisco prioritizes keeping its key players healthy for the regular season.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers OC: Deebo Samuel ‘Still Looks Like Deebo’
• Kyle Shanahan says he’s ‘getting there’ as return to sideline nears
• Mac Jones says preparation is his strength as 49ers enter preseason
• 49ers DC Raheem Morris has zero worries about Nick Bosa’s return
• Why Brock Purdy is finally getting the respect he deserves in NFL QB rankings

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 13th – vs. Tennessee Titans – 6:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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