**SANTA CLARA, Calif. —** It's about that time.
The Broncos are poised to kick off their 2025 preseason slate on Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers, and Denver's starters are expected to see action at Levi's Stadium.
Denver's ultimate goal in 2025 is to return to the Bay Area, but the process begins with the preseason snaps against the Niners.
As Bo Nix and Co. prepare for the game, here are several things to keep an eye on during Saturday's action.
**HOW DOES BO NIX LOOK IN HIS FIRST ACTION OF YEAR 2?**
The Broncos' second-year quarterback has had an impressive training camp, and he seemed to have had one of his stronger practices of the summer on Thursday against the 49ers.
Throughout training camp, Head Coach Sean Payton has spoken about Nix's improved comfort level in the offense and recently described his ability to operate the offense as "light years further along."
On Saturday, Broncos fans should get their first chance to see Nix in game action, and he'll aim to show both the quick processing and playmaking ability that has been on display during training camp.
"You treat it like a game," Nix said Thursday. "I'm going to go in there and play as many snaps as they give me, try to move the football, be efficient, get in and out of the huddle, operate well, make sure we're all on the same page, and essentially just make football plays — go out there and do what needs to be done to move the ball and score touchdowns."
**HOW DO THE BRONCOS' ROOKIES PERFORM IN THEIR DEBUT?**
Several of the Broncos' rookies have impressed in training camp, and Saturday's game will offer the first chance to see them in live action.
On offense, running back RJ Harvey has shown flashes with quick burst and vision, and he'll aim to translate that to game action as he looks to carve out a role. Third-round pick Pat Bryant has also made a number of highlight plays, and he could bring his contested-catch ability to the field in Santa Clara.
Defensively, first-round pick Jahdae Barron may have an opportunity to continue to push for first-team reps.
"He's very instinctive," Payton said Thursday. "He's very smart — exceptionally smart. I think that's a big plus for him."
A slew of other Denver rookies — from seventh-round pick Caleb Lohner to a number of undrafted free agents — will also get a chance to make their mark on Saturday.