49ers-Raiders: WR Jalen Hurd looks set to play, team captains announced

Wide receiver Jalen Hurd appears set to play in just the second game of his career, with the first being a preseason matchup against the Dallas Cowboys during his rookie season in 2019. He was suited up and warmed up with his teammates before their game against the Las Vegas Raiders this afternoon.

That's good news for the third-year San Francisco 49ers wideout, who spent the last two seasons on injured reserve and has yet to suit up for a regular-season game. NFL teams must trim their rosters down to 53 players by Tuesday. So today's game may be Hurd's final chance to prove he belongs.

"I know he's one of our top six receivers, so that's not an issue," head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week. However, availability has to be a factor too.

Also making his 2021 preseason debut is offensive tackle Trent Williams.

Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group reports that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring), guard Aaron Banks (shoulder), cornerback Jason Verrett (foot), and defensive ends Nick Bosa and Dee Ford are expected to sit out the final preseason game. Bosa (knee) and Ford (back) missed most of last season but are expected to be ready to go for Week 1.

Several other defenders aren't expected to play. Eric Branch adds safety Jimmie Ward, and cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and K'Waun Williams to the list.

The 49ers also announced their captains for the game. They are defensive end Arden Key, running back Raheem Mostert, and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.

The 49ers and Raiders kick off at 1:00 p.m. PT from Levi's Stadium.