49ers mailbag: New questions about Lance, Raiders’ Garoppolo in training camp
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The 49ers are two weeks into training camp and have arrived in Las Vegas for this season’s team-bonding exercise. They’ll practice against the Raiders on Thursday and Friday before the preseason opener on Sunday.
Is this the beginning of the 49ers’ 2023 hot streak? As we shuffle the deck for this 49ers mailbag, let’s get to the social media questions we can immediately answer:
Will Lance see any action? (@liam_carpediem)
Trey Lance is expected to start against the Raiders on Sunday, resuming a role he held before breaking his ankle in last year’s home opener. If Sam Darnold is chosen, Lance will suffer a significant setback in the QB2 competition, as he requires experience right away. Brock Purdy, the undisputed starter this season, is impressively healthy, but he’s doubtful to play against the Raiders beyond practice. So expect a lot of Lance and Darnold this preseason, with Brandon Allen covering the rest of the reps.
@daymbrite) Do you think Jimmy G will do well against us?
The main event of these joint practices will be reuniting with (against) Jimmy Garoppolo. He struggled with interceptions early in his Raiders career, but consider this: in 2019, he intercepted five consecutive passes in a camp practice, then went on to play every game en route to the Super Bowl on a reconstructed knee. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ cornerbacks are still looking for their first – FIRST! – interception of the camp.
When is Bosa going to sign his contract? (@brucemahan6)
That is the $175 million conundrum. That could be a starting point for a five-year extension, which is still bogged down in the Ways and Means Committee. Kyle Shanahan isn’t worried, and he shouldn’t be for another month. The 49ers have already stated that they will not fine Bosa for his absence, which could amount to $40,000 per day and nearly $1 million for each preseason game missed. The preseason kicks off in Las Vegas on Sunday, but don’t expect Bosa to sign just yet.
Will Kinlaw participate? (@aj_nola23)
Javon Kinlaw, a defensive tackle, has not missed a practice during training camp. That is extremely encouraging after his first two seasons were plagued by knee issues. Coaches and teammates have heaped praise on him, beginning with his consistent presence in the weight room. Now comes the games, and he was most recently seen being pushed around by the Eagles in that NFC Championship Game flop.
How much do you anticipate the starters playing? (@boomyada26)
Let’s assume that by “starters,” we mean those who will be in the Week 1 opener in Pittsburgh, most of whom are veterans worth stashing in the preseason, such as Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Arik Armstead, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, and, oh yes, Purdy. Shanahan despises preseason games as much as any other coach.
When will Trey be able to compete fairly with Dink-n-Dunk, er, Purdy? @TeeJayK16)
There’s no need for name-calling now. Simply dial QB1 for Purdy. After Lance and Sam Darnold took turns in that role from mid-April to mid-June (plus the three camp practices Purdy missed), he has taken all of the first-team reps in his ten practices thus far. Fair or not, the 49ers’ faith in Purdy stems from his eight straight victories, including his relief appearance when Garoppolo was injured.
How is Isaiah Winstead? (@spitman209)
For those unfamiliar, Winstead was the last undrafted rookie they signed after a viral social media video courted suitors. On the depth chart, he is still buried. In team drills, his big-target body (6-foot-4, 213 pounds) hasn’t gotten many targets. He won both of his one-on-one red zone drills on Monday. He fumbled a potentially great catch on the sideline on Tuesday. Let’s see if he can be a red-zone miracle in the preseason.
Aside from Jake Moody, who are the most impressive draft picks? Ji’Ayir Brown is a name I’ve never heard of.(@kuyabudzy)
Brown used his long range to intercept a Sam Darnold spiral 40 yards down the sideline on Tuesday. Moody hit both of his field-goal attempts from 60 yards out during the same practice. Tight ends Cameron Latu (too many drops, false starts) and Brayden Willis (popular pass target, a la George Kittle and Ross Dwelley); cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (hurt, TBD); defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (almost invisible, hurt); linebackers Dee Winters (sparkplug, big size, big potential); wide receiver Ronnie Bell (likeable, return-specialist potential).
Do you get the impression that the team is looking to bolster a key position, such as edge rusher or offensive line, through free agency or trade? (@KevinAMolina)
This regime has taught us to always be on the lookout for a move or the consideration of one. They’ve already signed defensive ends Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Kerry Hyder Jr., Robert Beal Jr., and Taco Charlton and Daelin Hayes this camp. That defensive depth should be less of an issue once Bosa arrives. The offensive line is experimenting with backup centers, which they should do, but Jon Feliciano (or Jason Poe or Nick Zakelj) will most likely fill Daniel Brunskill’s interior role.
Do you think they’ll go with more youth or veteran players at the depth positions that are up for grabs, namely tight end, linebacker, and cornerback? (@49ersGV)
The answer may lie in the requirements of special teams. Special teams are dominated by veterans at tight end (Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley) and linebacker (Oren Burks). The new rule limiting kickoff returns may have an impact on the value of those special-teams traits in comparison to developing younger talent.
With a day off on Wednesday, who will get in trouble in Sin City? (@happyhour_jz)
Players have been reminded of what they can and cannot do in the face of Vegas’ temptations. It is prohibited to enter a sportsbook. What they do after that is subject to curfew.
