Another storyline might be the heat Garoppolo will be under. No, I'm not talking about the Broncos' pass rush or the injuries to the offensive line. I am literally talking about the heat.
The Denver altitude isn't the only thing 49ers players will have to deal with on Monday night. The game is expected to be in the low-to-mid 90s at kickoff, which could make it the hottest in Broncos history, according to the Denver Post.
"If Monday's kickoff temperature is 93 degrees or above, it'd be hotter than any Denver Broncos game in team history," writes Chris Bianchi of the Denver Post. "The current record is a 92-degree kickoff temperature, set just last September. Three preseason games also have featured a kickoff temperature of 92 degrees, most recently a 2010 exhibition against the Detroit Lions."
The heat could be an advantage for 49ers players, who have become used to high temperatures during August and September kickoffs. Preseason games at Levi's Stadium are purposely scheduled with later start times to protect fans from the August heat inside the structure.
49ers veteran tackle Joe Staley, who has played at both Levi's Stadium and Candlestick Park, was recently asked to describe his current home field and he came up with one word.
"Hot," Staley told Melissa Jacobs of The Football Girl. "It's hot. But it's because of the hot air, I guess, it's hot in there. I don't know what it is."
Kickoff between the 49ers and Broncos is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. MT, and the game can be watched on ESPN.
H/t to Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group for the find.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Rams injury report: 4 players would have missed Monday practiced
The San Francisco 49ers did not practice on Monday but, in accordance with NFL rules, released an estimated participation report. With a short week ahead, they are set to face the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The team has... -
Sidelined 49ers: Who's out against the Bears?
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is set to return for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears after missing last week's matchup against the Buffalo Bills due to a knee injury. Safety Talanoa Hufanga, recently activated from injured reserve on Saturday, will also... -
Report: 49ers RB Isaac Guerendo plans to play against Rams
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo is expected to suit up for Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. "49ers rookie RB Isaac Guerendo plans to play Thursday night vs. the Rams despite his... -
Sidelined 49ers: Who's out against the Rams?
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their Thursday night NFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Rams, there remains uncertainty around linebacker Dre Greenlaw's status. While he is expected to play, the team has yet to announce whether he will be activated off the...