Questions for 49ers vs. Broncos
DENVER – Pay attention early to catch 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and other starters in their exhibition-season debut Monday night against the Broncos.
After keeping 31 players out of their exhibition opener, the 49ers will allow cameo appearances for their mainstays against the Broncos, who already served a greater purpose hosting the 49ers for joint practices Friday and Saturday.
Here are some questions needing answers:
How much does Garoppolo need to play?
It’s been 11 months since 49ers fans last saw Garoppolo in uniform, and he’s right on track to return from surgery on the anterior cruicate ligament in his left knee.
“He’s had a really good camp,” general manager John Lynch said. “I’m hesitant and reluctant to say it but his recovery from his knee has been like flawless. … That’s allowed him to focus on what he needs to do, and that’s play.”
Garoppolo will punch in his timecard for only “a little bit” of work Monday night, said coach Kyle Shanahan. Factoring into that workload is how safe Garoppolo will be against Von Miller & Co. Right guard Mike Person likely won’t play after straining his left foot Thursday.
Which receivers make strides?
Rookies Jalen Hurd and Deebo Samuel electrified hopes of a stronger receiving corps thanks to their exhibition-opener plays against the Dallas Cowboys. Giving them more opportunities in this encore will be worthwhile.
However, keep an eye on a couple other receivers, too. First, Dante Pettis has had an “up and down” camp, Shanahan said, in terms of how he’s answering defenders’ physical challenges. Pettis’ stock is dropping some, so the 49ers want to see him ramp up his performances as the season approaches.
With Trent Taylor a week removed from foot surgery, Richie James’ roster bid keeps improving as not only a receiver but a punt returner. “He’s done a good job and stepped it up throughout camp,” Shanahan said of James, who dropped Nick Mullens’ opening pass in the exhibition opener.
How bad is the offensive line’s depth?
Team officials were relieved that Person only sus
tained a foot strain, but with him likely shelved, they’re shorthanded on reliable blockers. If Najee Toran starts as expected at right guard, this might be the biggest opportunity of his young career.
Weston Richburg (quadriceps) and Joshua Garnett (finger) remain out, so the 49ers will rotate all other linemen and
hope for better results than against the Cowboys, when false start and holding penalties marred that opening night.
The Broncos defensive linemen dominated practices this week, so the 49ers front needs a better showing to help Garoppolo, Nick Mullens and presumably C.J. Beathard, who missed Tuesday with a sore thumb but worked the ensuing three practices.