Typically, NFL teams do not play their starters in preseason games. Such a decision is understandable, as coaches are concerned about players possibly getting injured in what are essentially meaningless games.
Teams usually place a greater importance on how their regulars do during joint practices with other teams. But while a number of the San Francisco 49ers' regulars took part in their joint practice versus the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, head coach Kyle Shanahan sounds like he's ready to give at least a few of them some snaps in their game versus the Raiders on Saturday.
Among the starters Shanahan plans on playing on Saturday is quarterback Brock Purdy.
"I'd like Brock to play," Shanahan said, per 49ers Webzone. "We'll see how it goes. I haven't decided anything for sure yet. We'll watch this tape. I planned on getting these starters going. There might be a couple of guys I rest, but there's not a lot of-especially on the defense-healthy starters as it is.
"But I'll figure that out here in the next 24 hours. But planning on some starters to play."
As was the case last year, the 49ers have already been hit by a number of injuries during the preseason. Defensive end Nick Bosa, wide receiver Jauan Jennings, running back Isaac Guerendo and rookie defensive end Mykel Williams were just a few of the notable players who sat out Thursday's joint practice.
Those men joined wideout Brandon Aiyuk and safety Malik Mustapha on the sideline. Aiyuk and Mustapha are expected to miss at least the first few games of the regular season due to knee injuries.
A handful of backups are also dealing with injuries right now, and that could be one factor in Shanahan wanting to give his starters some playing time on Saturday.
Last season, San Francisco was hit by a gnarly rash of injuries that was the biggest factor in the team going 6-11 and missing the playoffs just one year after getting to the brink of winning the Super Bowl championship. One of the team's biggest objectives for the preseason, even more so than other NFL teams, seems to be to limit injuries and manage the ones it is currently dealing with.
The Niners will finish their preseason schedule on Aug. 23 versus the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Their regular-season opener will be against the new-look Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
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