With just under thirty minutes to kickoff at Allegiant Stadium, the anticipation was already palpable. The San Francisco 49ers, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, were on the field, stretching and warming up for their much-anticipated preseason clash against the Las Vegas Raiders. For fans and analysts alike, this was more than just another exhibition—it was a first real glimpse at how the 49ers’ starters might look heading into the 2025 NFL season.
Most of San Francisco’s starting lineup had been spectators during the previous weekend’s preseason opener against the Denver Broncos. This time, though, head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear: he wanted his first-team offense to see some real action. "I'd like Brock to play," Shanahan admitted earlier in the week, leaving the door open for some last-minute adjustments. "We'll see how it goes. I haven't decided anything for sure yet. We'll watch this tape. I planned on getting these starters going. There might be a couple of guys I rest, but there's not a lot of—especially on the defense—healthy starters as it is. ... But planning on some starters to play."
As the clock ticked down to the 1:00 p.m. PT kickoff, the energy in the stadium was unmistakable. Brock Purdy, dressed in full uniform, looked locked in as he went through his pregame routine. According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Purdy was joined by fellow starters George Kittle, Kyle Juszczyk, Ricky Pearsall, and Deommodore Lenoir as they prepared to take the field. For Purdy, this marked his 2025 preseason debut—a moment that fans had circled on their calendars since the team’s training camp began.
But the 49ers’ approach to preseason play was, as always, measured. Shanahan’s ideal scenario? Purdy and the first-team offense would march down the field on their opening drive, punch in a touchdown, and keep Purdy’s jersey spotless. That would be the dream. However, Shanahan also acknowledged the unpredictability of preseason football. If the offense stumbled out of the gate, he wasn’t about to pull the plug and send his starters to the bench after a single lackluster series. The goal was to build rhythm and confidence—without risking unnecessary injury before the real games begin.
On the defensive side, the situation was a bit more complicated. The 49ers’ depth chart had been thinned by injuries, leading to a cautious approach with several key players. Outside of Fred Warner, Dee Winters, and Deommodore Lenoir, most defensive starters were expected to sit this one out. Even Warner’s status was up in the air, with some conflicting reports about whether he’d suit up at all. The team’s star linebacker, along with defensive end Nick Bosa and left tackle Trent Williams, was kept out as a precaution. As Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group put it, “LT Trent Williams, LB Fred Warner, DE Nick Bosa being kept out—as they should—of this 49ers preseason game vs Raiders.”
The absence of some of the team’s biggest names—Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Trent Williams—was notable, but hardly surprising. With their proven track records, these veterans were expected to be ready for Week 1, even without preseason snaps. The coaching staff’s priority was clear: protect the core of the roster and avoid any setbacks before the regular season grind begins.
For the Raiders, the matchup provided a valuable measuring stick as well. Facing a 49ers offense featuring Purdy, Kittle, Juszczyk, and Pearsall—even for a few series—would test their defense’s readiness and depth. Both teams, of course, were keeping their playbooks close to the vest. Preseason games are notorious for vanilla schemes and limited trickery, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to learn from the opening drives.
As fans settled into their seats, the big question was how long Shanahan would keep his starters on the field. Would Purdy get a full quarter of work? Would Kittle and Juszczyk see multiple drives, or would Shanahan pull the plug at the first sign of success—or trouble? The answer, as always in preseason, would depend on the flow of the game.
For Purdy, every snap was a chance to sharpen his timing and build chemistry with his weapons. After missing the previous game, he looked eager to reestablish his rhythm with Kittle, the always-reliable tight end, and Juszczyk, the versatile fullback who remains a key cog in Shanahan’s offense. Rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall, too, was looking to make an impression and solidify his role ahead of the regular season. And for Deommodore Lenoir, the preseason offered a chance to prove he could be a steady presence in a secondary that’s been reshuffled by injuries.
Shanahan’s approach to the preseason has always been pragmatic, but he knows the value of building confidence early. “Ideally, Purdy and the first-team offense march down the field and score a touchdown on the opening drive, and Purdy’s jersey remains clean. That would make Shanahan’s decision easy,” one report noted. But football is rarely that simple. If the offense sputtered, Shanahan might give them another shot to find their footing. After all, there’s no substitute for live reps, even in August.
On defense, the 49ers’ depth would be tested. With so many starters nursing injuries, players like Dee Winters and Lenoir would be counted on to anchor the unit. The coaching staff’s challenge was to balance evaluation with preservation—giving young players a chance to shine without exposing veterans to unnecessary risk.
As the game kicked off, the 49ers’ faithful watched closely, eager to see how the team’s stars looked in their first real action of the year. Would Purdy and the offense deliver the crisp, efficient drive Shanahan hoped for? Would the defense hold up despite missing several key contributors? The answers would unfold over the course of the afternoon, but one thing was certain: the 49ers were taking their next step toward the 2025 season, and every snap mattered.
While the outcome of the game remained to be seen as the action got underway, the focus was squarely on health, execution, and building momentum for the regular season. With a mix of established stars and hungry young players on display, the 49ers’ preseason journey was officially underway—and the football world was watching.
