The San Francisco 49ers host the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium for their first preseason game on Thursday, and everyone is ready for some football.
Let’s Get It Started in Here
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Jimmy Garoppolo will play, at least for a bit.
“We’ll treat him like what we’ve probably done more in the past,” Shanahan said. “He’ll play somewhat into the first quarter. We’ll see how long the opening drive is. Usually, the second game you play guys a little more into the second quarter. Usually, the third game they play the whole first half and sometimes start the third quarter. Then, the fourth game they rarely play.”
As of now, Shanahan said he is planning for all offensive and defensive starters to play at least one series but that could change.
“It all depends on how long it is,” Shanahan said. “It’s kind of a feel. We don’t want to keep them out there too long, but we definitely want guys to get some reps. There’s certain positions that don’t have as much depth. Some guys sometimes have got to go longer just so you don’t put so much on a player for the next three quarters. There’s some guys that we think do need a little bit more reps even though they are starters. We’ll play that accordingly.”
Rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey could see more playing time, and cornerback Jimmie Ward will start for the injured Richard Sherman.
Trent Taylor: Back at It
Wide receiver Trent Taylor is back in full at practice after sitting out with a back injury. This past offseason, Taylor had bone spurs shaved down in his lower back. That sounds painful.
“I’m pretty much back to normal,” said Taylor. ” Everybody is bruised up and I’m just feeling the camp soreness…like everyone else.”
Taylor had 17 catches in the final five games of the season, so he is excited to get back out there with Garoppolo.
“Me and Jimmy…we do a good job communicating to each other, talking about the routes I run, what he expects, what I feel about certain routes, so I’m looking forward to what we can do this year,” said Taylor.
Guarding Jimmy
Before training camp started, Shanahan said the battle for right guard was one to watch. With Jonathan Cooper and Joshua Garnett both out with knee injuries, it’s been a battle between Mike Person (who has had most of the first team reps) and Erik Magnuson.
However, Cooper is back and got work in with the 1s today, but he won’t play on Thursday.
“We’re just putting him in, I want to say it’s two plays a period,” Shanahan said. “We’re very selective with those plays we put him in. Just trying to build back his confidence from coming off his injury.”
Rookie Advice
Rookie defensive back D.J. Reed has been all over the field during training camp. With K’Waun Williams out with a low ankle sprain, Reed has been working with the first team at nickel, but he’s also played free safety.
“I’m just athletic,” said Reed. “Also, I compete every play. I take every rep I get seriously. I would say just my abilities and my mindset is helping me.”
Reed also has the benefit of learning from Richard Sherman about life both on and off the field, and Sherman has give the rookie some very sound advice about finances.
“We were drafted around the same spot in the 5th round and he was just like, ‘You can’t really provide for your family right now like you want to. You’ve got to really save your money and budget and that’s hard to do. People think you once you get in the league, you’re just this millionaire or something. It’s an illusion. They don’t think about taxes and you have to take care of yourself.'”
Welcome to Levi’s Stadium
Reed said he hasn’t been to Levi’s Stadium yet, and he doesn’t know how to get from the locker room to the field, but he’s ready for game time.”
“We’re done trying to beat up on each other,” said Reed. “We’re ready to go hit somebody else. I feel like everybody feels that way.”
Rookie CB Tarvarius Moore definitely does.
“This is what you dream about growing up, playing for an NFL team, being able to put on their jersey and go out there and showcase your talent,” said Moore. “…I’m just hoping I can go out there and give me best effort, put on a show.”
Bring on the Cowboys. Go Niners!