The San Francisco 49ers close out their preseason schedule on Saturday when they host the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Head coach Kyle Shanahan joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Wednesday and cautioned fans not to expect many starters on the field for the exhibition matchup.
"You might see a couple," Shanahan said. "We've got to see how it pans out tomorrow with practice, but I'd be surprised if you guys saw too many out there."
That likely means quarterback Brock Purdy will watch from the sidelines. While Shanahan didn't entirely rule out the possibility of his starting quarterback taking a few snaps, he strongly hinted that Purdy won't suit up this weekend.
"You always want the quarterback to get work," Shanahan explained. "You want everyone out there to get work, but it's really not something that I enjoy. You're hoping they get work, but all you're trying to do is make sure, most important, you get them out of there before they get injured, and that's probably why you guys have most likely seen the last of him until Week 1."
If Purdy sits, he'll finish the preseason having played just one drive—last weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders. In that limited action, the 49ers' QB looked sharp, completing 5 of 7 passes for 66 yards. Three of those completions went to rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who has impressed throughout camp.
"I thought they carried over what they've been doing in practice to that first drive," Shanahan said. "I think Brock and Ricky have been connecting a lot. I think Brock's got a real good rhythm going with him. I think he's had a good one going with [WR Demarcus Robinson]. I mean, those have been our two most consistent guys, who've been there pretty much every day throughout camp, minus Ricky that first week.
"So, when that happens, you only get better. They're really in rhythm right now, and hopefully, that can continue to Week 1."
The 49ers won't have Robinson available when they open the regular season on September 7 against the Seattle Seahawks. Shanahan confirmed that the NFL has suspended the veteran receiver for three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
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