Jimmy Garoppolo will probably start when the San Francisco 49ers host DeForest Buckner and the Indianapolis Colts at Levi's Stadium this weekend. For Buckner, it will be his first time stepping into the stadium since the 49ers traded him to the Colts last year.
"It's definitely weird being on the other side, watching film on [them]," Buckner admits. "Obviously, they've got a bunch of new faces since I've been gone, but [also] a lot of similar faces on that side of the ball, a lot of guys that I call brothers and friends. It's weird, definitely.
"I know it's going to feel weird once I get to the stadium, and get to the opponent's locker room, and little things like that. It's definitely going to be kind of weird, but I'm excited."
While Buckner and the Colts defense are probably preparing to face Garoppolo on Sunday night, they are well aware of what dynamic rookie quarterback Trey Lance brings to the 49ers offense.
Lance is dealing with a knee sprain suffered during his first NFL start, a Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. There is a chance the 21-year-old passer is available this weekend, though. With that comes the possibility that Buckner might have to face the athletic quarterback, should head coach Kyle Shanahan opt to sprinkle him into the game plan.
What does Buckner think of the 49ers offense with Lance at the helm?
"It's crazy because it's a whole different offense," Buckner admits. "You kind of get that Baltimore Ravens kind of vibe when he's in there running that swing option, little things like that. A lot more, obviously, quarterback-designed runs, little things like that.
"Obviously, he's elusive with his feet, and he can hurt the defense with his legs. It's definitely two different offenses that we're going to have to prepare for, just in case he ends up playing [at the] last minute."
The 49ers (2-3) and Colts (2-4) kick off Sunday at 5:20 p.m. PT.