Many San Francisco 49ers starters are set to play in the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, the only one at Levi's Stadium. However, several key players will be sitting out the Sunday contest.
According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the following players will not be playing:
- DE Nick Bosa
- DT Maliek Collins
- DE Leonard Floyd
- DT Javon Hargrave
- WR Jauan Jennings
- FB Kyle Juszczyk
- TE George Kittle
- CB Deommodore Lenoir
- RB Christian McCaffrey
- WR Deebo Samuel
- CB Charvarius Ward
- LB Fred Warner
Additionally, Barrows notes that the following two players will miss the game due to minor injuries:
- RB Jordan Mason
- LB Dee Winters
While wide receiver Ricky Pearsall wasn't officially listed among the sidelined players, it's unlikely the rookie will play due to his recent lack of participation in practices as he deals with a shoulder injury.
"I want to play a number of them (the starters)," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Friday. "I won't say all of them, but I'd like to get a lot of them in there for at least a little bit."
One thing is certain: As expected, fans will get their first look at quarterback Brock Purdy since February's Super Bowl defeat.
When asked on Friday what he hopes to gain from playing in the preseason contest, Purdy said, "For me, just to be able to get into a rhythm, obviously going into the game, studying and preparing like it's any other game. So, getting in that kind of mindset, warming up, and then getting out there and getting clean looks. How can I be efficient with my feet, and in rhythm, and hitting guys, and getting completions? So, just feeling the game environment. It's a little bit different from practice."
