The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their first practice of the week on Tuesday as the team prepares for its third exhibition game — a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.
As is normally the case during the third preseason game — often referred to as the "dress rehearsal" — you can expect to see the starters get more playing time.
"Usually in the third preseason game, you try to keep your ones out there for a whole half," head coach Kyle Shanahan said before practice. "That's usually our standard philosophy. We'll see how our guys are. We'll see how the game goes. It could be less than a half. It could be into the third quarter. We'll see."
Below are some quick player notes from Tuesday's practice.
Cornerback Richard Sherman has yet to suit up in a preseason game for the 49ers. He has been dealing with a hamstring injury sustained during team drills on August 3. Fans could see him on Saturday.
Sherman received a good deal of work during Tuesday's practice and appears to be on his way to playing on Saturday. If he does, it will likely be his only preseason action. Starters do not typically play in the fourth and final game.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo discussed on Tuesday what it means having Sherman on the team.
"No matter what happens, he's always confident," he said. "You like to see that, especially out of a corner. It's a position where you know at some point you're going to get beat, and it's just how do you respond after that. Sherm has a great mindset, and it shows why he's been doing it for so long."
Other Injury Notes
Cornerback K'Waun Williams (ankle) took part in defensive back drills. Defensive end Arik Armstead (hamstring) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (hamstring) also took part in their respective position drills.
Quarterback C.J. Beathard (foot) did not practice. Shanahan is hopeful he will practice on Wednesday and be able to play on Saturday.
"We're resting him," Shanahan said. "We think it will help him for tomorrow. We'll see how he comes in tomorrow. He's day-to-day as of now."
You won't see running backs Jerick McKinnon (calf) or Matt Breida (shoulder) on the field again during the preseason. The 49ers hope both will be ready for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. McKinnon and Breida, along with tight end George Kittle (shoulder), took part in individual conditioning on Tuesday.
Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and offensive lineman Garry Gilliam remain in the concussion protocol.
"[Thomas] and Gilliam are both in the same stage," Shanahan said. "They've been cleared to have no contact, but they can go out there and do individual stuff as long as they're out of contact. If they pass that stuff today, hopefully, they can take the next step tomorrow."
* Practice information courtesy of The Athletic and Bay Area News Group.
