Five 49ers to watch in Purdy’s highly anticipated season debut against the Saints originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA – The 49ers had originally planned to use few (if any) of their regular players in this week’s NFL preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
After all, the 49ers starters were expected to get the equivalent of two full games of playing time in consecutive joint practices against the Saints.
However, due to injuries, the 49ers were undermanned and coach Kyle Shanahan was forced to cancel direct practices scheduled for this week in Irvine.
Nevertheless, it will probably be the substitutes who will once again be in the spotlight on Sunday evening at Levi’s Stadium.
So our ‘Five to Watch’ includes four young players trying to establish themselves and, of course, one very notable player who is expected to make his pre-season debut.
Here are the 49ers worth watching on Sunday night:
Renardo Green, the 49ers’ second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, remains an interesting option for San Francisco due to his versatility.
There have been practices where he played nickelback. He has also played well enough on the outside that it’s conceivable that the team could move cornerback Deommodore Lenoir inside to cover the slot receiver in nickel situations with Green playing outside.
With veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom out with an ankle injury, the door is open for Green to contribute immediately in Week 1 of the regular season if he continues to show progress.
49ers offensive lineman Nick Zakelj is entering his third NFL season and is best known as Brock Purdy’s roommate.
Zakelj has made great strides in his third summer with the team and is in the running to be a key addition to the 49ers’ offensive line. He started at center in the preseason opener and will likely start at left guard on Sunday night.
Starter Aaron Banks is out with a broken finger that required surgery. With good training and a strong performance against the Saints, Zakelj could serve as the primary backup at center and guard to start the season.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, the 49ers have had some success with their recent draft picks. Their recent draft picks have been Jauan Jennings, Elijah Mitchell, Purdy, and last year Jalen Graham.
The 49ers selected Florida State linebacker Tatum Bethune with the No. 251 overall pick in the 2024 draft. In his preseason debut, Bethune recorded eight tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage.
Bethune’s presence may have prompted the 49ers to release veteran special teams player Ezekiel Turner this week. Bethune can continue to work his way into a role as a special teams ace while also filling a backup role on defense.
Rookie receiver Jacob Cowing missed the first few practices in protective gear after suffering a hamstring injury, but now he’s back and ready to compete for a role.
Cowing’s place on the team seems secure as he was selected in the fourth round of the draft and is one of the fastest players on the team.
He had a strong practice on Friday and should be a big player in Sunday’s game against the Saints. For Cowing, it’s about establishing himself as a player who can help on offense and special teams.
Cowing could be a major threat for the 49ers in the passing game. He also has a chance to make an impact in the return game if he can prove he’s reliable at intercepting punts.
Quarterback Brock Purdy
Hey, every time the starting quarterback steps on the field, it’s a big deal.
Quarterback Brock Purdy is unlikely to play much on Sunday, and coach Kyle Shanahan even left open the possibility of changing course and not letting Purdy play at all.
A year ago, Purdy played nine snaps in the 49ers’ second preseason game, completing four of five passes against Denver.
Purdy is expected to play in this game, and given the improvised offensive line, expect Shanahan to initiate three-step drops designed to get the ball out of his hands relatively quickly.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
This embedded content is not available in your region.
