Storylines
WHEN MIGHT LANCE UNSEAT GAROPPOLO?
The best-case scenario is Jimmy Garoppolo revives his 2019 dominance, so that rookie quarterback Trey Lance is not rushed into NFL duty but rather sprinkled into the occasional series. If that plan goes awry, either by another Garoppolo injury or upset losses, the 49ers could summon Lance from the bullpen by the Week 6 bye. It may not be a matter of if Lance should start but when in an expanded 17-game schedule (plus playoffs).
HOW GOES NICK BOSA’S COMEBACK?
Nick Bosa’s recovery from last September’s anterior cruciate ligament tear could bode more for the 49ers’ fate than whatever unfolds at quarterback. He was such a linchpin to their Super Bowl run as the 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 49ers must guard against overworking that repaired left knee if Bosa is to also impact another playoff run.
BRANDON AIYUK’S SECOND-YEAR BOUNCE?
Sophomore slump be damned. Brandon Aiyuk is poised for a bigger and better Year 2, perhaps on the same breakout level as George Kittle in his second season in 2018. Aiyuk had a team-leading 748 receiving yards despite missing three games as a rookie. He’s worked hard this offseason, including on the side with Lance after organized team activities.
WHO REVIVES THE RUN GAME?
Raheem Mostert tweeted in June that the “only thing on my mind is HOF. How can I get there?” Look, before he gets to Canton, he has to prove more durable and run as fast as ever. He’ll also have to fend off younger competition in rookies Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell. The 49ers’ rushing attack sank from No. 2 to No. 15 last season.
CAN FRED WARNER ASCEND FURTHER?
Linebacker Fred Warner perfectly positioned himself for a market-setting contract extension by making First Team All-pro in his third season. His impressive ascent as a playmaker and captain can still reach new heights at a position Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman thrived in not long ago.
EARLY GETAWAY: The 49ers will open with an extended road trip, and hope for the same results as their 2019 start with back-to-back away games. This time, they’ll debut at Detroit, head to The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia (last year’s Week 3 hideaway) and then play at Philadelphia. In 2019, the 49ers won at Tampa Bay, stayed in Youngstown, Ohio, then won at Cincinnati to ignite an 8-0 run toward the Super Bowl.
Right: Defensive end Nick Bosa (97), shown here helping Deforest Buckner (99) tackle Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook in a 2020 divisional playoff game, is expected to be back at full strength this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear last September.
INJURY WATCH: It took 84 players (tied for an NFL record in a non-strike year) to get through last season because of injuries and COVID issues. Three serious injuries struck in the offseason program (Jeff Wilson, knee; Tarvarius Moore, Achilles; Justin Skule, knee) so the injury bug hasn’t been kicked, yet.
CONTRACT YEARS: This year’s salary cap crunch, as a result of declining revenues in 2020, prompted many free agents to sign one-year, prove-it deals. Among those who did: cornerbacks Jason Verrett and K’waun Williams; defensive linemen D.J. Jones and Zach Kerr; and wide receivers Trent Sherfield and Mohamed Sanu. Also unsigned for 2022: Fred Warner, Laken Tomlinson, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Daniel Brunskill, Azeez Al-shaair, Kevin Givens and Richie James.