Most of the San Francisco 49ers' starters watched from the sidelines during last weekend's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan says his approach will be different for Saturday's second exhibition game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
While Shanahan values practices—especially joint sessions with other teams—over preseason games, he indicated that some starters should expect to receive playing time this weekend. That includes quarterback Brock Purdy, who was among those who sat out against the Broncos.
"I'd like Brock to play," Shanahan admitted. "We'll see how it goes. I haven't decided anything for sure yet. We'll watch this tape. I planned on getting these starters going. There might be a couple of guys I rest, but there's not a lot of—especially on the defense—healthy starters as it is.
"But I'll figure that out here in the next 24 hours. But planning on some starters to play."
Injury concerns limit 49ers depth
The 49ers roster has been hit hard by injuries, a fact that was evident during Thursday's joint practice with the Raiders. Shanahan even requested that the session exclude one-on-one drills, concerned about the team's thin depth along both the offensive and defensive lines.
Among the players who did not practice against the Raiders due to injuries: left guard Ben Bartch (elbow), defensive ends Nick Bosa (neck soreness) and Sam Okuayinonu (groin), defensive tackles Jordan Elliott (back) and Kevin Givens (pectoral), and rookie defensive lineman Mykel Williams (knee).
Offensive lineman Andre Dillard (ankle) landed on injured reserve, ending his season before it started.
Adding to the team's concerns, rookie defensive tackle CJ West left practice with what is believed to be a hyperextended knee—an injury similar to the one Williams is currently rehabbing. While West seemingly avoided a more significant setback, he is unlikely to play on Saturday.
With injuries taking their toll, the 49ers have to find the right balance between fielding a team for Saturday's game and ensuring no new injuries further delete the roster.
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