As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, head coach Kyle Shanahan has confirmed that fans should not expect to see many familiar faces on the field. With the regular season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia just around the corner, the team is prioritizing health and rest over preseason reps. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this decision comes amid a wave of injuries that have plagued the 49ers throughout the summer, affecting key players like Mike Evans, Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, and George Kittle.
Shanahan's Strategy: Rest Over Reps
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Shanahan made it clear that the team's approach to the final preseason game will mirror their Week 1 strategy. "I don't think you'll see many starters," Shanahan said. "We just don't have enough time as we usually do, so I'll be surprised if any of them are out there. There might be a couple, but it will be closer to how Week 1 was." This cautious approach is a departure from the typical preseason schedule, where teams often use the third game as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. However, with over 20 players currently dealing with injuries, the 49ers are erring on the side of caution.
In Week 1, the only potential starters who saw action were defensive tackle Alfred Collins, safety Marques Sigle, wideout De'Zhaun Stribling, and left guard Carver Willis. This suggests that Shanahan is willing to give opportunities to younger players while protecting his core veterans. The team's first-team offense and defense are expected to be held out, with backups and fringe roster players getting the bulk of the snaps.
The Cornerback Battle: Green vs. Jones
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into the preseason finale is the cornerback competition between Renardo Green and Jack Jones. Green, a second-year player, has seen limited action this preseason, missing the first game entirely and playing just nine snaps in the second. Jones, on the other hand, has been a consistent presence, logging significant playing time in both contests. This battle could be a deciding factor in the team's defensive back rotation, and Thursday's game may offer one last chance for either player to make a statement before the regular season begins.
Play-Calling Duties: A Work in Progress
Shanahan also addressed the ongoing situation regarding play-calling, confirming that he will once again defer to offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak for the Raiders game. Kubiak has handled these duties over the past few seasons, a role that continued this offseason following Shanahan's car accident. However, the head coach expressed optimism about reclaiming the role for the season opener, stating he is "most likely" to be the playcaller against the Rams. This uncertainty adds another layer of intrigue as the 49ers finalize their preparations for a challenging trip Down Under.
As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the decision to rest starters is a calculated risk. While it limits game-time reps for key players, it also ensures that the team is as healthy as possible for a game that carries significant weight, given the international stage and the early-season divisional matchup. The 49ers will need their stars—like Brock Purdy, who has been sharp in limited preseason action—to be at full strength to compete with the Rams, who are also dealing with their own injury concerns.
With the preseason finale just a day away, all eyes will be on the 49ers' roster decisions and the final performances of players fighting for roster spots. But for the starters, Thursday is about rest, recovery, and preparing for the long journey to Melbourne. As highlighted on Vulius, the 49ers' commitment to health over preseason hype could prove to be a decisive factor in their Week 1 success.
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