Five 49ers to watch in 2024 preseason opener vs. Titans

Five 49ers to watch in 2024 preseason opener vs. Titans originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

NASHVILLE — After 13 practices of training camp, the 49ers finally will line up Saturday night against another team.

Few of the regulars are expected to suit up when the 49ers take the field against the Tennessee Titans.

Instead, this game will provide opportunities for some of the younger players to show what they’ve got against an unfamiliar opponent.

Players such as Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are expected to step aside and the competition for jobs will take center stage.

Here is a look at five 49ers to watch when the team hits the field against the Titans:

After missing some practice time early in training camp, rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing is back. The 49ers currently do not have much depth at receiver, so Cowing could get extended run against the Titans.

The fourth-round draft pick from Arizona is also likely to get a chance on special teams. Although he has not looked particularly comfortable fielding punts, he will get an opportunity to show what he’s got during the preseason.

Dominick Puni is a versatile offensive lineman the 49ers selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

He is getting an opportunity to earn a spot on the 49ers’ offensive line much earlier than expected. Veteran players Jon Feliciano and Spencer Burford, who shared the duties at right guard last season, have seen limited practice time due to injuries.

The door is open for Puni to earn significant playing time early in his NFL career if he can make steady improvements and eliminate repeat mistakes in the preseason games and practices.

Linebacker Dee Winters is gaining a lot of momentum toward winning a significant role in the 49ers’ defense.

The second-year pro had a strong offseason program, and he has carried that over into all-around strong play during training camp.

With Dre Greenlaw expected to be out of action…

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Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-08-10 17:50:39

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