The San Francisco 49ers preseason opener is nearly upon us. In just over 48 hours, the 49ers will host the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's® Stadium on Thursday night at 7 p.m. PT.
Exhibition contests are largely highlighted by backups and third-stringers, but Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Tuesday that San Francisco's starters will play against the Cowboys. Fans in attendance will see Jimmy Garoppolo and the first-team offense play "somewhat" into the first quarter. That means the starters on both sides of the ball will play for at least one series.
From there, it will all depend on how many reps come within those series. Unless Garoppolo and Co. go three and out, they'll likely be limited to a single drive. The same goes for the defense, unless that group gets gashed for a quick touchdown.
The one exception could be the rookies among those groups. Don't be surprised to see Mike McGlinchey play most, if not all of the first quarter in order to get extra game reps. Jullian Taylor and D.J. Reed are candidates to see extra snaps on defense. Taylor may start at the big end spot with Arik Armstead out. Reed could get the start at nickel in place of K'Waun Williams.
Make sure you're there for what will be the first glimpse of the 2018 49ers. Grab your tickets here.
