The 49ers’ offense needs to be more consistent in their second preseason game against Denver. The starters do return, but they likely won’t play a ton. That means plenty of attention will be on the reserves as they continue working hard for roster spots.
Here are six players we’re watching closely on offense when the 49ers face off against the Broncos:
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
It’s Garoppolo’s first game since last September. His performance carries more weight than the normal second preseason game. He needs to put together some kind of showing that indicates he’s ready to play at a high level in the regular season. Ultimately, it won’t matter if he plays great in the regular season, but it matters for now in projecting the 49ers’ franchise quarterback for the season.
WR Dante Pettis
The 49ers just need a couple catches from Pettis. His ability to get open and make plays after the catch are what will separate him as a pass catcher this year. He hasn’t had a great camp and he was non existent in the opener. Getting a couple big plays from Pettis would be nice for the 49ers as they look for reliable pass catchers aside from tight end George Kittle.
RB Austin Walter
Walter got a lion’s share of the work in the preseason opener, and that isn’t likely to change much in Week 2. He showed off some quick-twitch ability that look like the skill set head coach Kyle Shanahan might be able to take advantage of. Walter won’t make the club, but he should be a practice squad candidate if he keeps putting on a show in the preseason.
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
Wilson is another practice squad candidate, but he hasn’t been in practice for a few weeks with a calf injury. He returned for the joint practices with Denver and had a couple nice showings. Wilson isn’t going to make the team, but he performed well in limited action last year, and a good preseason may make him desirable for another team, or earn him a practice squad spot.
OT Sam Young
The loss of Shon Coleman opened a wide hole on the 49ers’ reserve offensive line. Young replaced Coleman on the roster and is immediately the presumed front runner for the swing tackle job. If he has any kind of capable showing against Denver, he should cement himself as the player to beat for that spot. It would also be a nice change of pace for an offensive line that struggled a week ago.
QB CJ Beathard
Beathard will be the second quarterback in the game, which will give him a better opportunity than he had in Week 1 when he played with most of the 49ers’ third team. Both backup quarterbacks were fine against Dallas, but neither have separated themselves yet. This is Beathard’s chance to do so when he’s the first signal caller off the bench.
OL Najee Toran
Toran will likely work with the starting unit at right guard while Joshua Garnett nurses a finger injury and Mike Person works through a foot strain. There’s not a starting job available, but a great showing from Toran should help him earn a backup job after spending most of last season on the practice squad.
