What the 49ers' Plan is for the Starters in the First Preseason Game

Kyle Shanahan revealed if and how long the 49ers starters will play against the Titans.

Aug 6, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (19) during training camp at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The first preseason game is right around the corner for the San Francisco 49ers.

It's always an exciting buildup because it's the first time seeing what a team will look like. However, since it's a preseason game, there's no guarantee that the starters will play much, if at all.

In the past, the 49ers have either sat most of their starters in the first game or only let them play for a series or two. On Tuesday, Kyle Shanahan revealed what the 49ers' plan is for the starters.

What the plan against Tennessee is

Aug 6, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) during training camp at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"There won't be many starters playing," Shanahan said. "We'll see with injuries today and stuff. That doesn't mean none, but we've got to balance that out. We haven't told the players yet, so wait until we do that with them this afternoon.”

It's not surprising that most of the 49ers starters won't suit up against the Tennessee Titans. They got their quality reps when they held a joint practice with them.

That is what Shanahan has always valued more than anything. Since they received those reps, there's no point in the starters playing in the first preseason game.

Now, that doesn't mean every single starter will be inactive. The 49ers don't have that many players to afford that luxury, given all of their injuries.

I'd anticipate Renardo Green playing, a few offensive linemen like Jake Brendel, and even Ji'Ayir Brown. But players like Dre Greenlaw, Mike Evans, and Osa Odighizuwa, I wouldn't expect.

This is totally fine for the 49ers to do after they had a successful joint practice, according to reports. Most of the starters deserve this rest and protection from playing a pointless game.

Besides, the second preseason game is when Shanahan tends to play the starters mostly. That is where you'll see two or three series from the majority of starters.

Although I still wouldn't expect Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Fred Warner, Greenlaw, and Evans to be out there. Those are players who are prohibited from preseason action.

If they are going to suffer an injury, it has to happen when it matters in the regular season. The last thing they want is for them to get hurt in an exhibition, costing them part of the year, if not more.

Plus, they're players who don't need the preseason ramp-up. They're revved up during training camp and don't hold back.

---

Follow Jose on X (Twitter) @JS3sanchezz and his YouTube channel to interact with him on the 49ers and more.