NFL preseason games don't mean much to San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. If it were up to him, he'd replace them with joint practices, feeling those are more beneficial. For rookies, though, preseason games can mean a lot. It's not just an opportunity to showcase yourself. It's a chance to get acclimated to what it's like playing in an NFL game.
The 49ers open their three-game exhibition schedule on Friday against the Green Bay Packers. It's the only preseason game they will play at Levi's Stadium, and rookie running back Ty Davis-Price (prefers Ty versus Tyrion) can't wait.
"I'm looking forward to it, most definitely," Davis-Price told reporters after Wednesday's practice. "First NFL game, I don't know what to expect, to be honest with you. Just praying to stay healthy, having a healthy game, and having fun with my team."
Davis-Price doesn't plan to overthink things. The third-round draft pick said he's just eager to have fun with his new teammates. Of course, that doesn't mean he won't play hard. Up to this point, he's only gone against his defensive teammates in practice. Friday will be his first opportunity to go full speed against a real opponent.
"Man, I'm really excited to go out there and show what I'm really about," Davis-Price admitted. "I'm eager about that. I might not get no sleep the night before, but I'll be alright."
While the running back says he has reached a point where he is comfortable with the playbook and can get onto the field and simply react to what the defense is showing him, he was asked about the most significant challenge transitioning from college to the NFL.
"I'd say the biggest thing, just a new system, just getting in and learning it," Davis-Price responded. "You have to study each and every day. You have to, or you'll miss something. Stay on your toes, look over the playbook every day, whenever you can."
The other biggest surprise has been the length of meetings in the NFL. Luckily, he has a talented group of running backs as teammates to answer any questions he might have. The rookie strives to ensure that the 49ers own the best running back group in the league.
"There's talent in everyone in that room," Davis-Price said. "We all can do things differently. I think that's what's great about that room. Whether it's Jeff [Wilson], Elijah [Mitchell], Trey [Sermon], Josh [Hokit], the fullback, [Kyle Juszczyk], they all bring different things. They're all hard workers. We compete each and every day and make each other better. I appreciate them for pushing me, and I know they appreciate me for pushing them."