Garoppolo to start against Raiders
Will join other starters for a half of work, but rookie Lance will also mix into the action
SANTA CLARA >> Jimmy Garoppolo remains the 49ers’ starting quarterback … at least through Sunday’s preseason finale against the Raiders.
Coach Kyle Shanahan would only go so far as that Friday, when asked who’ll start this coming game and possibly their next one, which would be the Sept. 12 regular-season opener.
“I don’t mind (saying for) this game: I plan on putting Jimmy out there with the starters and I plan on mixing Trey (Lance) in there, like we wanted to last week and see how it plays out,” Shanahan said.
In last Sunday’s preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Garoppolo played all 15 snaps in the opening series, then was replaced by Lance, who played into the third quarter and led a 15-10 comeback win.
The plan against the Raiders is for the starting unit to play the first half, and Shanahan noted it could be a shorter shift if enough is accomplished early in the second quarter.
WIDE RECEIVER ISSUES >> Starting wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has a hamstring issue that will keep him out against the Raiders, and Shanahan expects him to return to practice next week.
The prognosis is not as positive for wide receiver Richie James Jr., who is facing surgery that will keep him out six weeks. James reported pain Thursday and underwent an MRI. Shanahan was unsure what exactly the injury is other than it is not a season-ending ligament tear.
HURD AMONG TOP SIX >> As for wide receiver Jalen Hurd, Shanahan said he’s considered among the top-six wide receivers, but that doesn’t guarantee him a roster spot.
“I’ve seen Jalen and what he’s done. I know he’s one of our top six receivers. That’s not an issue. But that’s how Dee Ford was last year, and how Tartt is. We know they’re one of our top guys at their position. But it’s such a scary thing and hard decision with the 53(-man roster).
“We have other guys there after those who can make the team and help us. You have to make sure guys are healthy enough to play through the year, and don’t just get to Week 1 and last a quarterand-a-half before another injury.”
General manager John Lynch, in an interview on KNBR 680AM, said the 49ers remain excited about Hurd’s physicality, speed and hands. “It would be a really good thing for our team if he could be out there. We’re pulling for him,” Lynch said. “He’s put in the work and hopefully he’s there, because he makes us a better team if he is.”
BOSA, FOR PLAN >> Defensive end Dee Ford won’t see action in any preseason games, and odds are that Nick Bosa won’t either, Shanahan said. Bosa joined team drills Wednesday for the first time this year and practiced back-toback days.
Left tackle Trent Williams marveled at Bosa’s comeback, saying: “Nick’s been outstanding. I don’t know how he could have got stronger but he did. Very few people come back from a major injury and got better than before they left. It’s definitely good news for The Faithful.”