Cowboys vs. 49ers: Previewing Preseason Week 1 for San Francisco

49ers offense: Competitions and players to watch

Lynch, Shanahan and the rest of the 49ers’ coaching staff made a number of important personnel decisions over offseason workouts, minicamp and 12 training camp practices. But many starting jobs and roster spots will be determined during the team’s set of four preseason games — which begin tonight.

During his abbreviated time on the field tonight, all eyes will be on Garoppolo, given his performance last season, his big-money contract and the high expectations for his future. And although his starting role isn’t in question, first-rounder Mike McGlinchey should see substantial playing time tonight at right tackle, giving the rookie ample practice against NFL edge rushers.

Each of San Francisco’s running backs enter the preseason with something to prove. While Jerick McKinnon is the 49ers’ undisputed starter, he wants to show the NFL that he’s a three-down back worthy of his expensive contract. Matt Breida will attempt to eat into McKinnon’s touches, while also maintaining his backup role from a hungry Joe Williams, who now looks NFL-ready.

With the 49ers likely to keep three or four halfbacks, Jeremy McNichols and Jeffrey Wilson will need to dominate during their opportunities in the latter part of the game, and Raheem Mostert will have to demonstrate his value on offense and on special teams.

The 49ers’ starting wide receivers from 2017 — Garcon, Marquise Goodwin and Trent Taylor — are back for the 2018 season, but with a strong preseason, the versatile rookie Pettis will be an active member of the team’s wideout rotation, while backing up all three receiver positions. In addition to these four roster locks, the Niners have seven additional receivers, but only two or three potential roster spots.

Kendrick Bourne is the most likely candidate to make the team, provided he builds on his strong finish to last season. However, the 49ers spent 2018 draft capital on Richie James — who fits the mold of a Shanahan receiver — and Aaron Burbridge continues to look more like a true wideout than merely a special-teamer, after missing the 2017 season due to injury.

Two receivers who made the 2017 roster but appeared to be on their way out of San Francisco — Aldrick Robinson and Victor Bolden — breathed new life into their roster chances with impressive training camp performances. Both players will need strong preseasons to make the team, although the 49ers can wait until October to determine’s Bolden’s fate, thanks to his four-game suspension to start the season.

Finally, wide receivers Steven Dunbar and Max McCaffrey will need to truly shine throughout the preseason in order to make the final 53-man roster. The pair should see the field late in tonight’s matchup, and are likely competing for a single spot on the 49ers’ practice squad.