49ers-issued depth chart lacks many surprises but has Brandon Aiyuk returning punts

The San Francisco 49ers issued their first "unofficial" depth chart of the preseason, which has sparked a few conversations. For example, Brandon Aiyuk is listed as WR1 and the team's top punt returner. Mohamed Sanu is listed as WR3, an important position at which a training camp battle is taking place.

Oh, and if there was any doubt—which there shouldn't be—Jimmy Garoppolo is listed as the starting quarterback with Trey Lance as his backup. But that was a pretty safe bet.

For what it's worth, here is the first unofficial depth chart for the #49ers' first preseason game against the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/phL7diBCWQ
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) August 11, 2021

The depth chart didn't offer too many surprises—if any. Nor should it. It's not even the coaching staff that puts together the depth chart, thus the word "unofficial." Instead, the 49ers' public relations staff puts it together, offering the best guess at what to expect heading into the first preseason game. So consider that before panicking that starter Aiyuk is listed as the primary punt returner, despite the receiver recently campaigning for the job.

Below is a rundown of what the depth chart looks like. The players are listed in the order of depth, with starters first.

Defensive backs Jaquiski Tartt (toe) and Tarvarius Moore (Achilles) and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) are on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Cornerback Tim Harris Jr. (groin) and offensive lineman Justin Skule (knee) are on injured reserve.

OFFENSE

QB: Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Nate Sudfeld and Josh Rosen listed as QB3

RB: Raheem Mostert, Trey Sermon, Wayne Gallman II and JaMycal Hasty as RB3, Elijah Mitchell

FB: Kyle Juszczyk, Josh Hokit

WR: Brandon Aiyuk, Mohamed Sanu, Jalen Hurd and Jauan Jennings as WR3, River Cracraft and Kevin White as WR4

WR: Deebo Samuel, Richie James, Trent Sherfield and Travis Benjamin as WR3, Nsimba Webster and Austin Watkins Jr. as WR4

TE: George Kittle, Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner and MyCole Pruitt as TE3, Jordan Matthews and Joshua Perkins as TE4

LT: Trent Williams, Jaylon Moore, Shon Coleman

LG: Laken Tomlinson, Colton McKivitz

C: Alex Mack, Jake Brendel, Dakoda Shepley

RG: Daniel Brunskill, Aaron Banks, Senio Kelemete

RT: Mike McGlinchey, Tom Compton, Corbin Kaufusi, Alfredo Gutierrez