49ers vs Vikings: Preseason Week 3 preview

Quarterback comparison

San Francisco

We know who the starter is. But for the second week in a row, rookie C.J. Beathard gets the nod as No. 2.

Even after a shaky outing by quarterback Brian Hoyer, highlighted by a embarrassing fumble that featured Hoyer losing control of the ball as he threw it, there is no debate about who’s going to open the regular season as the starting quarterback. That job belongs to Hoyer.

The backup position is where all the intrigue is right now. Just like last week, rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard is being listed as the No. 2 behind Hoyer. And considering the only offensive touchdown last week was orchestrated by Beathard, it’s looking like the rookie is firmly cementing himself as the backup.

This game will be an awfully important one for Beathard — an exceptional performance might solidify his status as the No. 2.

Minnesota

There’s less mystery regarding the Vikings quarterbacks. Sam Bradford is the No. 1, Case Keenum the No. 2.

Right now, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is rehabbing his knee after sustaining a freak injury last year. Bridgewater was the future at quarterback for the Vikings, but the accident altered that. The team brought in Sam Bradford, who’s been the starter since arriving in Minnesota.

Bradford’s the entrenched starter, while Case Keenum was signed as the No. 2. After them is where the questions remain, with reports that the Vikings want to roster three quarterbacks this season. That third quarterback will most likely be Taylor Henckie.