The San Francisco 49ers communications department released the team's second unofficial depth chart of the preseason. There had been some speculation leading into the exhibition matchup against the Denver Broncos that 49ers rookie C.J. Beathard might see some playing time earlier in the game, but he remains listed as the team's third quarterback.
"We haven't discussed it yet as a staff," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Saturday, "but I expect to see C.J. much earlier. I'll definitely have more of an answer for you guys later in the week on that."
Being third on the depth chart doesn't necessarily mean that Beathard won't see action earlier. The coaching staff could limit Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley's time in the game in order get Beathard in sooner and even give its fourth quarterback, Nick Mullens, some snaps.
The depth chart is also just an unofficial guide and not a commitment to where or when a player might play. Teams are required to release depth charts and they are subject to change.
Shanahan is not scheduled to speak to the media until after Thursday's practice, which will be the last before training camp breaks. 49ers general manager John Lynch is scheduled to speak to the media on Wednesday.
Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster is listed as the starting weak-side linebacker for the second straight week. On Tuesday, Shanahan indicated that Foster is the team's starting linebacker at that spot...until he isn't.
"He started the last game," Shanahan said. "He's been starting out in these practices. He's been getting most of the reps, which I believe he needs. But, by no means, no one is just, he could get beat out at any time. If our guys behind him – we've got some good players behind him too – if they started performing at a higher level than him, then that wouldn't be the case."
Below is the depth chart that was released and posted by our friends over at Niners Wire.
#49ers release unofficial depth chart ahead of second preseason game vs. #Broncos. pic.twitter.com/Ry1pGgQ99D
— TheNinersWire (@TheNinersWire) August 16, 2017
