The preseason curtain comes down at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, but for San Francisco 49ers fans, the real intrigue isn’t the score. It’s who will play and who won’t as the 49ers weigh health, roster battles, and injuries just two weeks before their opener in Seattle.
Are Brock Purdy and Other 49ers’ Starters Playing Against Los Angeles Tonight?
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week he doesn’t expect many starters to take the field against the Chargers. “You might see a couple,” Shanahan told reporters, but he added he’d be surprised if fans saw too many out there.
That means quarterback Brock Purdy will sit. He finished the preseason with only one drive, a sharp series last week against Las Vegas, in which he went 5 of 7 for 66 yards.
Alongside Purdy, stars like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner are expected to rest. The approach reflects the 49ers’ caution after a physical camp.
On the other sideline, the Chargers will also sit their starters, confirmed by head coach Jim Harbaugh. That leaves former 49ers quarterback Trey Lance to start, with Taylor Heinicke and rookie DJ Uiagalelei also expected to take snaps.
Which Young 49ers Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
With the stars watching, the spotlight turns to roster hopefuls. At wide receiver, Robbie Chosen has made his case with a strong August showing and first-team reps in practice. He’s competing with trade acquisition Skyy Moore and rookie Junior Bergen, who is also being evaluated as a return specialist.
At linebacker, Nick Martin continues to battle veteran Luke Gifford on the strong side, while second-year Dee Winters has earned trust as a depth option behind Fred Warner.
On the defensive line, undrafted rookies Evan Anderson and Sebastian Valdez are fighting for one of the final spots. Special teams could tip the balance: Bergen’s return skills add value, and kicker Jake Moody remains under the microscope after an up-and-down preseason featuring both a 59-yard make and a short miss.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, August 23, at 5:30 p.m. PT from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The game will air locally and stream on NFL+ for fans outside the market.
For the 49ers, the finale isn’t about the scoreboard. With Purdy and the starters resting, the final snaps before roster cutdowns belong to rookies and role players fighting to prove they belong.
