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.
While Nick Bosa and Dee Ford recover, there are three lineman to keep an eye on. Kentavius Street, Jeremiah Valoaga, and Damontre Moore. Valoaga had a couple of sacks and Moore played well the entire day against Dallas. When Street played, he looked good. Street should make the team, but Moore and Valoaga have a real chance to pull the upset and join Street on the 53.
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
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Netflix to stream 49ers vs. Rams Week 1 international showdown in Australia
The San Francisco 49ers will open the 2026 season on a global stage, as their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams is reportedly set to stream on Netflix from Melbourne, Australia, according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. NEWS 🏈: Netflix will have the Week... -
Former 49ers safety calls Ji'Ayir Brown 'delusional' over self-evaluation
Former San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner didn't hold back while evaluating current 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown and his 2025 performance. Brown apparently wasn't pleased with the criticism. According to Whitner, Brown reached out directly to voice his frustration over... -
49ers' Mykel Williams shows encouraging progress at rookie minicamp
The San Francisco 49ers opened their rookie minicamp on Friday, giving the team's 2026 NFL Draft class its first on-field action. While attention centered on the newcomers, one of the most notable developments came away from the main practice field. The 49ers entered last... -
Daniel Jeremiah ranks 49ers draft value last among NFL teams
NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked all 32 NFL draft classes based on the value each team received from its selections, and the San Francisco 49ers landed at the bottom of the list at No. 32. Jeremiah's rankings were based on where each player appeared within his...