Early on Sunday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the San Francisco 49ers would be playing their top pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, EDGE Nick Bosa, in their Week 1 season-opening contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bosa, who missed all of the preseason with an ankle injury, probably won't start in the heat and humidity at Raymond James Stadium. But considering the Buccaneers' questionable offensive line, he should see some critical snaps.
Especially on third downs.
The Niners, however, made the following players inactive for the contest:
- QB C.J. Beathard
- WR Trent Taylor
- WR Jalen Hurd
- DB Jimmie Ward
- DB Jason Verrett
- OL Daniel Brunskill
- TE Kaden Smith
Most of the names aren't surprising. Beathard lost the backup competition to Nick Mullens, who'll serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Jimmy Garoppolo to start 2019. Wide receivers Trent Taylor (foot) and Jalen Hurd (back) were already ruled out for the contest. So was Ward (finger).
Verrett not being active is something of a surprise. But he also is coming off an ankle injury, and it wouldn't be shocking to see San Francisco work him back in slowly. Especially with the Niners boasting a healthy tandem of boundary cornerbacks, Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon.
Brunskill being out means the rookie, Justin Skule, is a favorite to step in as the team's swing tackle, should the 49ers suffer an injury to either starter, Joe Staley or Mike McGlinchey, during the game.
And with the overstock at tight ends following roster cuts, there was no way head coach Kyle Shanahan would keep four active on game days. So Smith is left out, meaning Levine Toilolo and Ross Dwelley will serve as the backup tight ends behind George Kittle.
The 49ers and Buccaneers kick off from Raymond James Stadium at 4:25 p.m. ET.
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Written by:Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
