The San Francisco 49ers play three preseason games in the span of 14 days. Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters before Tuesday's practice and laid out his plan to ensure the starters get some exhibition reps without getting worn down. For second-year quarterback Trey Lance, that means playing in just two preseason games.
"We've got a pretty good idea [for the preseason plan]," Shanahan said. "I definitely want to see how these practices go these first two days. I'd like to get guys to play in this game, mainly because I don't want them to play in the second game."
On Friday, the 49ers will host the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium. Then, eight days later, they will play the Minnesota Vikings on the road. San Francisco will practice with the Vikings during the week leading to that game, which is much more significant to Shanahan than the exhibition matchup. In fact, the coach went as far as to say he would prefer only doing joint practices and eliminating preseason games.
Then, five days after playing the Vikings, the 49ers will play on the road against the Houston Texans. Playing against the Vikings and then the Texans would be tough.
"That's why I don't want them to play much in that game," Shanahan explained. "Hopefully a little in one, a little in three, and then we'll have 17 days to get ready for Week 1. ... In my mind, right now, I'd like Trey to get in, in games one and three."
Shanahan admits he hasn't thought about how much he wants to see Lance play in those two preseason games. As for the starting offensive line, he said, "I want some of them in there, at least."
The 49ers coach was asked about his assessment of Lance so far through training camp. After all, much has been made of the quarterback's up and down practices.
"He's gone kind of how you'd expect it," Shanahan said. "... I think he's had some real good days. He's had a couple of rough days. I thought he had a rough day his last practice (Sunday). It's going to be good to see how he bounces back today. But I've been real pleased with Trey and real pleased with all three [quarterbacks]."
What about defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who has been ramping up his training camp workload as he returns from knee surgery? Will he see any action during Friday's game?
"He's been great," Shanahan said. "To be able to keep pushing the reps up and up and for him to have no setbacks, it's been awesome. And hopefully, we'll be able to get him in this game (against the Packers) too, depending on how these next two practices go."
