Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Five things we need to see during the 49ers final preseason game
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to play their third, and final, preseason game for 2021 on Sunday afternoon. By all accounts, this game is being treated as the "dress rehearsal," much like the third preseason game has been in previous years. So with that in mind, here are five things we need to see during this final preseason game.
No injuries
The past two seasons, the 49ers have been riddled with injuries. In order for them to contend for the Super Bowl, they need to stay relatively healthy. We need the team to finish the preseason in good shape, with as few injuries as possible. Light a candle. Pray. Go to bed early tonight. Be nice to your neighbor. Whatever you have to do!
Jalen Hurd needs to make an impact
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday that
Jalen Hurd is "one of our top six receivers." Much has been said, written and hoped about Hurd. But this preseason and training camp, he has been quiet. He hasn't practiced much, and so far, hasn't played in a game. That could change Sunday, as Hurd is expected to play.
If Hurd is to make this team, he needs to show up in the game and have an impact. And his surgically-repaired knee needs to be in good shape on Monday. If this happens, he should make the team. If not, we may need to say our goodbyes.
The starting offense needs to come together
The starting offense hasn't been great so far in the preseason. And that is probably because many of the starters haven't played. More starters should play Sunday, and we need to see them start to gel. I believe this offense will be really good this season. It would be great to see it get the rust off on Sunday, so it is ready to put up a lot of points in Detroit on September 12.
The quarterback situation needs to be resolved
I actually don't believe the narrative that Shanahan is still trying to decide who will start week one. There are many local and national media voices declaring a decision hasn't been made. Jimmy Garoppolo will be the Week 1 starter. We need this to be resolved so the team can best prepare for a Super Bowl run. The starter gets most, if not all, of the first-team reps during the season. After Sunday, it's time to turn our attention to Week 1.
Trey Lance needs to continue to progress
Rookie quarterback Trey Lance has continued to improve throughout the offseason, training camp and preseason. At times, he has looked dynamic. Other times, he has looked like a rookie. Garoppolo will start Week 1, but Lance will also play. And he very well may be the starter by the end of the season. But for now, we need to see him continue to improve and learn. That's best for the team, now and in the future.
And did I mention we need to see no injuries on Sunday?
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Donte Whitner believes 49ers were dealt a bad hand during Super Bowl
One former San Francisco 49ers player is making his opinion of Super Bowl 58 very clear. He believes his former team was dealt a bad hand in the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas two months ago.
Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner, appearing this week on the "Up & Adam" show with Kay Adams, was vocal regarding the matchup and how certain circumstances seemed to favor the Chiefs.
"And when we think about the Super Bowl as well, I think that the 49ers played against the refs as well, guys," Whitner told Adams. "I think that when we look at that film and you see bear hugs on those defensive ends, right? And you really see it in blatant moments in the game."
Adams couldn't help but laugh at Whitner's comments, and the former player
Kellen Mond will try out during 49ers' local pro day
The San Francisco 49ers are set to host their local pro day this Wednesday afternoon, offering numerous draft prospects a prime opportunity to display their skills before the team's coaches, scouts, and front-office personnel.
However, it won't be just draft hopefuls on the field in Santa Clara. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, several others, including a former third-round draft pick, quarterback Kellen Mond, will try out for the team.
Maiocco's report also names tight ends Curtis Hodges, Hunter Kampmoyer, and Tommy Sweeney among those expected to attend.
In addition those invited to
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley