What to watch for in 49ers-Broncos as roster continues to take shape
Sam Darnold will get extended shot against Denver, while others fight for spots at bottom of the 53-man roster
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The 49ers’ second preseason game Saturday night against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium revealed everything we needed to know when coach Kyle Shanahan referred to it as the team’s “fourth practice” of the week.
Will starting quarterback Brock Purdy run with the first team? Shanahan was noncommittal during his weekly appearance on KNBR, the 49ers’ flagship station, on Thursday.
Otherwise, Sam Darnold will get the majority of the work ahead of Trey Lance, as was planned all along. Brandon Allen will most likely mop up.
Darnold is coming off a shaky practice on Thursday, if you believe in the significance of such things. Lance is probably reeling from the increased scrutiny of his status, when all he really wants is to gain the kind of on-field experience he’s been denied due to circumstances beyond his control.
Meanwhile, Shanahan and his staff are working hard to ensure that the 53-man roster’s mainstays arrive in Pittsburgh on time on Sept. 10. That means those players will see limited action in the next two preseason games against the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Some things to keep an eye on against the Broncos on Saturday night:
How does Levi’s look?
Taylor Swift held a mega-event at the 49ers’ home stadium. Beyonce will perform on August 30, five days after the 49ers wrap up their preseason against the Chargers at home.
What will the field conditions be like? After patches of grass appeared in the facility’s early years, the 49ers grounds crew has gotten pretty good at it.
If there is a problem, Shanahan will not put important players on the field in less-than-ideal conditions. The good news is that the 49ers don’t play at home again until Week 3 against the New York Giants on Sept. 21.
What’s up with the running backs?
Elijah Mitchell (groin) has appeared to be in good shape while working off to the side in recent days. He’s not going to face Denver, and he’s not going to face the Chargers either.
As much as it irritates the 49ers that Mitchell can’t stay healthy, he’s proven to be a productive back when he’s on the field. When do the 49ers accept the cliche of “can’t make the club in the tub” and move on?
Ty Davis-Price had 29 yards on nine carries against the Raiders, drawing raves. Jordan Mason, who runs with powerful legs, is also a factor. Other backs will carry the ball, but the preseason rule of thumb is that the runners who carry the ball the most will be on the outside looking in when the 53-man roster is cut.
After the Big Three, who are the wide receivers?
Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings are all locks and have no reason to play in the next two games. All three have had fantastic camps.
The 49ers will then have two, possibly three, wide receivers on their roster. They admire Danny Gray’s speed, and he appears to be making strides when catching the ball. Chris Conley has made some nice catches, and Ronnie Bell, a seventh-round draft pick, could stick at least initially because Ray-Ray McCloud may or may not be on the 53-man roster following a wrist fracture.
Willie Snead IV has been one of the most consistent receivers. He understands the offense, gets open, and the 49ers would probably prefer to have him on the 16-man practice squad as a weekly option if needed.
Depth on the offensive line
To be sure, it’s not the most enticing location. It’s mentioned because the 49ers’ backups were handed their rear ends by the Raiders.
Have you met Corey Luciano, Ilm Manning, or Joey Fisher? They’re all on the 53-man roster and performed poorly against the Raiders.
“There were some mental errors and some physical breakdowns,” said Chris Foerster, running game coordinator/offensive line coach. “Of the three guys, Ilm has performed admirably this camp.” “As well as in the preseason game.”
So there you have it. Manning, at 6-foot-2 and 299 pounds, is not your typical tackle, but he may be worth keeping around, even if only on the practice squad.
While it may not appear to be a big deal, keep in mind that the 49ers have experimented with their offensive line over the last few years.
The backup shuffle
Last week, it was revealed that Isaiah Oliver, who had been signed to replace Jimmie Ward as the nickel back, was suddenly in a competitive situation. Inside, the 49ers have tried Deommodore Lenoir and undrafted free agent D’Shawn Jamison, with Ambry Thomas as a possible starting outside corner.
Wednesday, Oliver jumped a route and nearly intercepted a Purdy pass. He was expected to be fully recovered from ACL surgery, from which he claimed he didn’t feel normal until about halfway through last season.
With Charvarius Ward and Lenoir on the outside and Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson at safeties, the 49ers will give Ji’Ayir Brown and Thomas every opportunity to play nickel corner.
