The San Francisco 49ers are treating Friday night's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. However, not all starters will be on the field.
According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, at least a few marquee players will sit out: defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, and cornerback Charvarius Ward. Additionally, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and running back Elijah Mitchell, who recently returned to practice after dealing with a hamstring injury, will also be sidelined.
#49ers won't play three All-Pros on defense tonight: Nick Bosa. Fred Warner and Charvarius Ward.
FB Kyle Juszczyk also won't play and RB Elijah Mitchell will be spectator after returning from a hamstring injury this week.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 24, 2024
Branch also reports that newly re-signed tight end Logan Thomas will not be in uniform.
TE Logan Thomas is not in uniform after re-signing with the #49ers on Thursday.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 24, 2024
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has been "holding in" for a new contract or trade, traveled with his teammates for the matchup at Allegiant Stadium but obviously will not play. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that Aiyuk was on the sideline during team warmups.
There's nothing concrete to report, but the optics suggest the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk are close -- I mean, seeing that he traveled with the team to Las Vegas and was on the sideline during warmups.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 24, 2024
Aiyuk saying hello to the Faithful 👋 pic.twitter.com/B3qhFA6y2a
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 24, 2024
After Friday night's game, the 49ers will shift their focus to their regular-season opener, a September 9 matchup at Levi's Stadium against the New York Jets.
