Several San Francisco 49ers starters have failed to suit up thus far in preseason. Linebackers Kwon Alexander and Fred Warner will do so for the first time on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs. They were both healthy scratches in the team's first two preseason games.
Another healthy player who has yet to play is Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. He too will play on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.
The third preseason game is often referred to as the "dress rehearsal" because it typically features the starters playing more time than they usually do in an exhibition game. They often play the entire first half before giving way to the backups and sitting out the final week of the preseason.
That's what Buckner plans to do in his first in-game action of the year. He told reporters before Wednesday's team practice that the plan is to play an entire first half against the Chiefs.
"I'm getting ready to get in for the whole half," Buckner said. "I'm looking forward to it. I haven't seen the field the whole preseason so far, so I'm definitely excited to go on Saturday."
Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. PT (7:00 p.m. CT).