SAN FRANCISCO
Storyline of the week
QB questions linger: Head coach Kyle Shanahan and QB Jimmy Garoppolo have all but confirmed Garoppolo will be the 49ers starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season. Now a new one rises in when and how much rookie QB Trey Lance will see the field during his first season. Shanahan and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel haven’t been shy about their intentions to cycle Lance in, a logical move for Shanahan to get his rookie some valuable reps and take advantage of his multifaceted skill set. On the other hand, it could put the 49ers on track for a roaring in-season QB controversy.
Rookie watch
Two fifth-round rookies have emerged as potential contributors to the secondary. S Talanoa Hufanga and CB Deommodore Lenoir have both acquitted themselves well in extended preseason action. Hufanga will contribute a ton on special teams, but he’s in the mix to start at strong safety against the Lions in Week 1. Lenoir is the leading candidate to be the first off the bench should the 49ers need a replacement in the lineup.
– Kyle Madson, Niners Wire