Watch or Listen: How to watch or listen to 49ers at Broncos
Synopsis
The 49ers travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in Week 2 of the preseason. The joint practices had some great battles and there were some good things that happened. Marquise Goodwin was the offensive standout and continues to have a great camp. Jimmy Garoppolo made several great throws and overall, had good practices, despite throwing five interceptions before making the trip to Denver for the joint practices. The story, though, continues to be how good the defense has been playing. While we're all waiting for everyone to be on the field for a real game, there are some things to watch:
1) Offensive Line
Starting right guard Mike Person left practice on Saturday on crutches and in a walking boot, which was very concerning for everyone. The good news is, it's a foot strain and he is considered "day to day". The bad news is, no one is sure what to expect from the backups if Person were to miss games.
Joshua Garnett is being eased back with his surgically repaired finger. He should return to practice this week. The person to watch is Najee Toran. Ross Reynolds should also see reps, but Toran would be the projected starter if Person were to be out for any length of time.
Tackle Shon Coleman was slated to be the swing-tackle, the primary backup to Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey. He suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle against the Cowboys and now Justin Skule could be the next in line.
We'll get a good look at Toran, Reynolds, Skule and also backup center Ben Garland (in place of Weston Richburg) against Denver.
2) Jimmy Garoppolo's Debut
Jimmy G is back and though we're not sure how long he will play, it will be good to see him out on the field for the first time since Week 3 of last season.
Nick Mullens, C.J. Beathard, and Wilton Speight will likely see most of the reps against the Broncos. Mullens has the inside track to be the backup, especially due to the hand/finger injury to Beathard.
3) Will the rookies continue to shine?
It was great to see Jalen Hurd and Deebo Samuel have good games this past week as it inspired confidence that the receiver group was potentially pretty deep and also that the front office made some good decisions.
Hopefully, they will continue to make big plays, but we will probably see more of Kendrick Bourne, Richie James, and Jordan Matthews as they are fighting for roster spots. Dante Pettis and Marquise Goodwin may also get early opportunities in the first quarter.
4) Penalties
The 49ers had 18 penalties for a crazy 216 yards against Dallas. All I'm going to say is, there has to be improvement here.
5) Defenders making a name for themselves
Tarvarius Moore looks more and more like he will be the starter at free safety. He continues to have a great camp (pick six against Joe Flacco on Saturday) and is winning over the coaches. Jimmie Ward could play and he will need to make the most of any reps he has if he wants to challenge for the job. Keep watch on Adrian Colbert as well, who will look to rebound from being ejected against Dallas for a hit on a defenseless receiver.
Dre Greenlaw looked great and if he plays well again, he could win the starting job at the SAM linebacker spot.
Other Notes
Raheem Mostert cleared concussion protocol and should join Austin Walter and Brandon Wilds carrying the rock. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman could get some early carries as well Cornerback Quentin Rollins was signed after Greg Mabin injured his calf and was waived. Rollins joins Tim Harris and D.J. Reed as the corners who will probably see the most action
