This means that the 49ers will be up against quarterback P.J. Walker. While fans might breathe a sigh of relief, the 49ers are approaching this matchup without underestimating Walker's potential to impact the game's outcome.
"I've always been a fan of his (Walker) over the years," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Friday. "He's got experience. He's a vet. He can hurt you with his legs. He can hurt you with his arm. I think when he's gotten his opportunities in this league, he's done a good job."
The 49ers might have one advantage in their corner. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is familiar with Walker from their time together with the Carolina Panthers last season.
"Having Steve be familiar with him in Carolina helps a lot," Shanahan noted. "I don't have to look too much into it. I know Steve's got a good feel, what his pluses and minuses are, and we've been preparing it all week like it could be this, too."
Sunday will be the 20th meeting between the 49ers and Browns, with the former winning 12 of those contests. San Francisco seeks to secure their 16th consecutive regular-season victory, potentially setting a new franchise record. Although, that's not a priority in the coach's mind.
"I got so much respect for the history here and those teams, but, I mean, it's a record over two seasons," Shanahan said. "It's cool, but it's not really, though. It's over two seasons, and it'd be cool to do that all in one season. But it's better than not doing it. We're happy about it. It'd be a cool thing to do, but I don't think it's that big of a deal, personally."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Kyle Shanahan shares 49ers injury updates, addresses Jed York arrest ahead of preseason finale vs. Raiders.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Tuesday's training camp practice. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Was today the final day of training camp as you see it? "No, it's... -
49ers quarterback shares positive injury update
Quarterback Kurtis Rourke appeared in just one preseason game for the San Francisco 49ers, facing the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium. The second-year quarterback exited during the second quarter after suffering three broken ribs and was taken to the hospital at halftime for... -
49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling shares humble response to strong preseason performance
San Francisco 49ers fans are becoming increasingly excited about the team's top draft pick, wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling. The rookie pass catcher has stood out throughout training camp and continued to impress in his first two preseason games. Stribling has recorded 11... -
49ers insider shares injury update on key defensive starter
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green exited Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a hamstring injury. After the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan wasn't sure how serious the injury was. "We'll have to get more imaging on that tomorrow to see if he...