Wondering about Lance, Jimmy G heading into the preseason opener

Two weeks into training camp and the 49ers now find themselves in Las Vegas for this season's teambonding exercise. They'll practice against the Raiders today and Friday, followed by Sunday's preseason opener.

Is this the start of the 49ers' 2023 heater? Let's get to social media questions we can immediately answer as we shuffle the deck for this 49ers mailbag: Will Lance get any playing time? (@liam_carpediem)

Trey Lance should start Sunday against the Raiders, reprising a role that belonged to him until his fractured ankle in last year's home opener. If Sam Darnold gets the nod, then that is a major blow to Lance in the QB2 battle, since he needs the experience out the gate. Brock Purdy, this regular season's undisputed starter, is impressively healthy, but he's doubtful to play against the Raiders, beyond practicing against them. So a heavy dose of Lance and Darnold is coming this preseason, with Brandon Allen mopping up the rest of reps. You think Jimmy G will do well against us? @daymbrite)

Reuniting with (against) Jimmy Garoppolo will be the main event of these joint practices. He's struggled with interceptions during camp in his Raiders' infancy, but, think back to 2019 when he had five consecutive passes intercepted in a camp practice, then went on to play every game en route to the Super Bowl on a reconstructed knee. Meanwhile, the 49ers' cornerbacks are still seeking their first — FIRST! —interception in 11-on-11 action this camp. When will Bosa sign his contract? (@brucemahan6)

That is the $175 million question. That could be a target point on a five-year extension, which is still stuck in the proverbial Ways and Means Committee. Kyle Shanahan is not concerned, nor should he be for another month. The 49ers already said they're not compelled to fine Bosa for his absence, which could be $40,000 daily and nearly $1 million for each preseason game missed. Sunday marks the preseason opener in Las Vegas, but don't bet on that being incentive for Bosa to sign, yet. Will Kinlaw play? (@aj_ nola23)

Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has not missed a practice at training camp. That bodes extremely well after his initial seasons were dogged by knee issues. Coaches and teammates have praised him to no end, starting with his constant presence in the weight room. Now come the games, and he was last seen getting shoved around by the Eagles in that NFC Championship Game dud. How much do you expect the starters to play? (@boomyada26)

By “starters,” let's assume those would be in the Week 1 opener in Pittsburgh, most of whom are veterans worth stashing in the preseason, such as Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Arik Armstead, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, and, oh yes, Purdy. Shanahan hates preseason games as much as any coach ever.

When will Trey get a fair competition with Dink-n-Dunk, er, I mean Purdy? @TeeJayK16)

Now, now, no need for name-calling. You can simply call Purdy QB1. He has taken all the first-team reps in his 10 practices thus far, after Lance and Sam Darnold took turns in that role from mid-April to mid-June (plus the three camp practices Purdy rested). Fair or not, the 49ers' belief in Purdy is instilled from his eight straight wins, counting his relief appearance once Garoppolo got hurt. How is Isaiah Winstead doing? (@spitman209)

For those unfamiliar, Winstead was the last undrafted rookie they signed, after he courted suitors with a viral social media video. He's still buried on the depth chart. His big-target body (6-foot-4, 213 pounds) hasn't gotten many targets in team drills. Monday, he won both of his oneon-one matchups in a red zone drill. Tuesday, he dropped a potential great catch on the sideline. Let's see if he is a red-zone wonder in the preseason. Which draft picks are impressing the most, beside Jake Moody? I haven't heard much about Ji'Ayir Brown. (@kuyabudzy)

Brown showed great range to intercept a Sam Darnold spiral 40-plus yards down the sideline Tuesday. During the same practice, Moody banged in his two field-goal attempts, each from 60 yards. Quick descriptions of other draft picks: tight ends Cameron Latu (too many drops, false starts) and Brayden Willis (popular pass target, a la George Kittle and Ross Dwelley); cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (hurt, TBD); defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (almost invisible, hurt); linebackers Dee Winters (sparkplug) and Jalen Graham (big size, big potential); wide receiver Ronnie Bell (likeable, return-specialist potential). Do you get the sense that the team is looking to make a move in free agency or trade to bolster a key area, such as edge rusher or offensive line? (@KevinAMolina)

This regime has taught us to always expect a move, or the consideration of one. They've already brought in a slew of defensive ends: Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Kerry Hyder Jr., Robert Beal Jr., and this camp's signing of Taco Charlton and Daelin Hayes. Once Bosa arrives, that defensive depth won't be such a concern, ideally. As for the offensive line, they're experimenting with backup centers, which they should do, but Jon Feliciano (or Jason Poe or Nick Zakelj) likely will fill the interior role vacated by Daniel Brunskill. Do you see them going with more youth or veteran players at depth positions which are up for grabs, specifically tight end, linebacker and cornerback? (@49ersGV)

The answer to that may rest with special teams' needs. Veterans at tight end (see: Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley) and linebacker (Oren Burks) are big on special teams. The new rule diminishing kickoff returns could impact how valuable those special-teams traits are, compared to developing younger talent. With an off-day Wednesday, who is going to get in trouble in Sin City? (@happyhour_jz)

Players have been reminded about what they can and can not do amid Vegas' temptations. Stepping foot into a sportsbook is forbidden. What they do beyond that, they better make curfew.