QB Garoppolo will play briefly against Dallas
Message to the Jimmy Garoppolo fan club: Don’t be late Thursday night.
The quarterback will make his 49ers preseason debut at Levi’s Stadium against the Cowboys, and he might not break a sweat. On Tuesday, Kyle Shanahan suggested Garoppolo would play one drive, although he might log a second series if the opening drive is brief.
Shanahan said he doesn’t expect to hold out any starters from the exhibition opener, but cornerbacks Richard Sherman (hamstring) and K’Waun Williams (ankle), defensive tackle Arik Armstead (hamstring) and right guard Joshua Garnett (knee) are among those who will be sidelined with injuries.
With Williams and Armstead out, two rookies, fifthround pick D.J. Reed and seventh-rounder Jullian Taylor, figure to get first-team snaps. Reed, who will sub for Williams at nickel corner, also has been playing free safety this summer.
It’s possible starting rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey, the No. 9 pick, will play some snaps after the first-stringers exit to get more game reps. Williams update: One player who will break a sweat Thursday: running back Joe Williams.
The 2017 fourth-round pick has flashed his speed during training-camp practice, and Shanahan is eager to see if his improved offseason translated to game conditions.
Last year, Williams was placed on injured reserve before the regular season with an ankle injury.
“I’m just excited to watch him play out on the field,” Shanahan said. “I’m a lot more excited now than I was last year just because of what he’s shown in practice. … He’s come a long way in a year and he’s given himself a chance to be a good running back. We’ll see how it looks on Thursday.”
Guards not ready: Neither Garnett nor Jonathan Cooper, who were expected to compete for the right-guard spot this summer, will play Thursday.
Cooper, the No. 7 pick in 2013 who signed with the 49ers in March, has been eased back into action after undergoing offseason knee surgery. Cooper has played limited snaps in team periods in the past three practices.
“We’re very selective with those plays we put him in,” Shanahan said. “Just trying to build back his confidence from coming off his injury.”
Mike Person likely will start at right guard Thursday and be replaced by Erik Magnuson.