Kyle Shanahan confirmed that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will play during the team's exhibition opener against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on Thursday night. While that was expected, the San Francisco 49ers head coach revealed a little bit about what the preseason plan is for his starting quarterback.
"We'll treat him like what we've probably done more in the past," Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday. "He'll play somewhat into the first quarter. We'll see how long the opening drive is. Usually, in the second game, you play guys a little more into the second quarter. Usually, the third game, they play the whole first half and sometimes start the third quarter. Then in the fourth game, they rarely play."
So fans will be able to see Garoppolo and the first-team offense for at least one series but probably not much more than that.
The other quarterbacks on the roster are C.J. Beathard, Nick Mullens, and Jack Heneghan. Last year, the 49ers entered the season with two quarterbacks on the active roster (Brian Hoyer and Beathard to start and ended up with Garoppolo and Beathard) and Mullens on the practice squad.
Other Notes
Jonathan Cooper is unlikely to play against Dallas as the team continues to ease him back from injury.
Rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey will play with the first-team offense and may get a little more time with the starters.
Cornerback Jimmie Ward will start in place of Richard Sherman.
Shanahan doesn't want the defensive starters to be on the field too long but also wants them to receive reps. Positions with less depth will see players receiving more playing time.
49ers explored adding former 1st-round CB Damon Arnette
By David Bonilla
Jun 28
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the San Francisco 49ers were among several NFL teams that showed interest in cornerback Damon Arnette Jr., who recently relaunched his career with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). Although Arnette ultimately signed...
Brock Purdy training with George Kittle and former 49ers QB
By David Bonilla
Jun 29
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had hoped to attend Tight End University last week, but a scheduling conflict arose due to a charity golf event. However, he's now back at work with star tight end George Kittle in Nashville, Tennessee, and the duo was joined by one...
49ers' Trent Williams remains among NFL's elite—if he stays healthy
By David Bonilla
Jun 29
All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams has yet to complete a full season since joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. His missed time last season is cause for concern, as the seven games he sat out due to an ankle injury marked the most he's missed in a single year since...
49ers urged to consider adding recently released pass rusher
By David Bonilla
Jun 29
The San Francisco 49ers could still make moves to bolster their depth ahead of the 2025 season. Given the injury-plagued campaign the team endured last year, adding reinforcements might be a prudent strategy.
The 49ers underwent a significant roster overhaul this offseason,...