Five 49ers to watch in Purdy’s anticipated preseason debut vs. Saints originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — Originally, the 49ers figured to play few (if any) of their regulars in this week’s NFL preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
After all, the 49ers’ starters were expected to get the equivalent of two full games’ worth of practice snaps against the Saints in back-to-back joint practices.
However, injuries left the 49ers shorthanded and forced coach Kyle Shanahan to cancel the head-to-head practices, which were scheduled to take place this week in Irvine.
Still, it’s the backups who figure to take center stage again on Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium.
So, our Five to Watch includes four young players who are trying to establish themselves and, of course, one very notable player who is penciled in to make his preseason debut.
Here are the 49ers worth watching on Sunday night:
Renardo Green, the 49ers’ second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, continues to be an intriguing option for San Francisco due to his versatility.
There have been practices in which he lines up at nickel back. He also has played well enough on the outside that it’s conceivable the team will move starting corner Deommodore Lenoir inside to cover the slot receiver in nickel situations, with Green playing on the outside.
Veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom is sidelined with an ankle injury, so the door is open for Green to make an immediate contribution in Week 1 of the regular season if he can continue to show improvements.
As he enters his third NFL season, 49ers offensive lineman Nick Zakelj is best-known for being Brock Purdy’s roommate.
Zakelj has made major strides in his third summer with the team and is in the picture to be a key backup along the 49ers’ offensive line. He started the preseason opener at center, and he is likely to start Sunday night at left guard.
Starter Aaron Banks is out of action with a fractured finger that required surgery. With…
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Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-08-17 16:12:09
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