The San Francisco 49ers visit the Indianapolis Colts for Week 3 of preseason action, and 49ers Webzone breaks down the Niners' players not likely to see action during this exhibition bout.
A number of San Francisco 49ers players, who missed the team's first two exhibition bouts of 2018, will see action today as the Niners visit the Indianapolis Colts for Week 3 of the preseason. Among those returning are cornerback Richard Sherman and defensive tackle Arik Armstead. Nickel corner K'Waun Williams also makes his preseason debut after suffering an ankle injury in training camp.
But the 49ers are still going to be somewhat shorthanded for this preseason bout, which is considered the closest thing to regular-season action you'll see prior to Week 1.
One of the names to watch, No. 2 quarterback C.J. Beathard, looked to be ready for the game, according to the Sacramento Bee's Chris Biderman:
Quarterback C.J. Beathard, who suffered a foot injury last week in Houston, did his usual pre-game workout/throwing session.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 25, 2018
Seeing field time is essential for Beathard's maturation, as he has struggled over the first two games of the preseason. One might expect him to see significant action after halftime, following the departures of fellow QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers' starters.
Teams aren't required to release injury reports during the preseason, although they will release unlikely to-play reports. But NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco released a list of those Niners not playing Saturday:
#49ers out for sure today due to injuries:
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 25, 2018
RB Jerick McKinnon
RB Matt Breida
RB Joe Williams
WR Max McCaffrey
TE George Kittle
OL Garry Gilliam
OL Erik Magnuson
DB Marcell Harris
Meanwhile, here's the report from Indianapolis:
The following players are not expected to play in #SFvsIND. pic.twitter.com/7v83s83L64
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 25, 2018
It's not surprising to see running backs Jerick McKinnon (calf) and Matt Breida (shoulder) on the list, as they're likely out until Week 1. Earlier, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters recently acquired Alfred Morris will start at tailback this game. Joe Williams, who is a long shot to make the roster after suffering a hip and rib injury last week, will also be absent for the remainder of the preseason.
Tight end George Kittle (shoulder) also isn't much of a surprise, which means veteran TE Garrett Celek will get the start and be backed up by second-year pro Cole Hikutini, who seems to have all but locked down the No. 3 spot on the depth chart.
The 49ers and Colts kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
