The San Francisco 49ers issued their first "unofficial" depth chart of the preseason, which has sparked a few conversations. For example, Brandon Aiyuk is listed as WR1 and the team's top punt returner. Mohamed Sanu is listed as WR3, an important position at which a training camp battle is taking place.
Oh, and if there was any doubt—which there shouldn't be—Jimmy Garoppolo is listed as the starting quarterback with Trey Lance as his backup. But that was a pretty safe bet.
For what it's worth, here is the first unofficial depth chart for the #49ers' first preseason game against the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/phL7diBCWQ
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) August 11, 2021
The depth chart didn't offer too many surprises—if any. Nor should it. It's not even the coaching staff that puts together the depth chart, thus the word "unofficial." Instead, the 49ers' public relations staff puts it together, offering the best guess at what to expect heading into the first preseason game. So consider that before panicking that starter Aiyuk is listed as the primary punt returner, despite the receiver recently campaigning for the job.
Below is a rundown of what the depth chart looks like. The players are listed in the order of depth, with starters first.
Defensive backs Jaquiski Tartt (toe) and Tarvarius Moore (Achilles) and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) are on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Cornerback Tim Harris Jr. (groin) and offensive lineman Justin Skule (knee) are on injured reserve.
OFFENSE
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Nate Sudfeld and Josh Rosen listed as QB3
RB: Raheem Mostert, Trey Sermon, Wayne Gallman II and JaMycal Hasty as RB3, Elijah Mitchell
FB: Kyle Juszczyk, Josh Hokit
WR: Brandon Aiyuk, Mohamed Sanu, Jalen Hurd and Jauan Jennings as WR3, River Cracraft and Kevin White as WR4
WR: Deebo Samuel, Richie James, Trent Sherfield and Travis Benjamin as WR3, Nsimba Webster and Austin Watkins Jr. as WR4
TE: George Kittle, Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner and MyCole Pruitt as TE3, Jordan Matthews and Joshua Perkins as TE4
LT: Trent Williams, Jaylon Moore, Shon Coleman
LG: Laken Tomlinson, Colton McKivitz
C: Alex Mack, Jake Brendel, Dakoda Shepley
RG: Daniel Brunskill, Aaron Banks, Senio Kelemete
RT: Mike McGlinchey, Tom Compton, Corbin Kaufusi, Alfredo Gutierrez
DEFENSE
LDE: Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, Jordan Willis, Alex Barrett and Davin Bellamy as LDE4
LDT: Javon Kinlaw, Kentavius Street, Maurice Hurst, Darrion Daniels
RDT: D.J. Jones, Kevin Givens, Zach Kerr, Shilique Calhoun
RDE: Nick Bosa, Samson Ebukam, Arden Key, Eddie Yarbrough
SAM: Azeez Al-Shaair, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, James Burgess Jr.
MIKE: Fred Warner, Jonas Griffith, Justin Hilliard
WILL: Dre Greenlaw, Marcell Harris, Elijah Sullivan
LCB: Emmanuel Moseley, Ambry Thomas, Deommodore Lenoir, Alexander Myres
RCB: Jason Verrett, Dontae Johnson, Ken Webster, B.W. Webb
FS: Jimmie Ward, Jared Mayden, Kai Nacua
SS: Tavon Wilson, Talanoa Hufanga, Tony Jefferson II
SPECIAL TEAMS
P, H: Mitch Wishnowsky
K: Robbie Gould
PR: Brandon Aiyuk, Richie James, River Cracraft, Travis Benjamin
KOR: Richie James, Elijah Mitchell, Kevin White, Nsimba Webster
LS: Taybor Pepper