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49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 key storylines for San Francisco’s preseason bout

By Peter Panacy

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers tried to avoid the sack attempt of Allen Bailey #97 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers tried to avoid the sack attempt of Allen Bailey #97 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 3: 49ers Defensive Line Performance

Speaking of that reinforced defensive line, the 49ers will look a bit more like their regular-season selves up front in Kansas City, albeit with some notable absences.

Rookie EDGE Nick Bosa (ankle) won’t play, and it’s looking like Kyle Shanahan will hold back on playing fellow EDGE Dee Ford (knee), too. But Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is expected to see at least two quarters, marking his first preseason action this season. Combined with the resurgence of fellow lineman Solomon Thomas, San Francisco’s defensive line should look a bit more impressive early on.

Related Story. Solomon Thomas on path to resurgence in 2019. light

Yet San Francisco’s key storyline along the defensive line isn’t necessarily the starting cast, rather a number of quality backups.

A number of players shone in Denver, namely backup defenders like Jeremiah Valoaga and Kevin Givens, who are both striving to make the back end of the 53-man roster this season.

Shanahan will have some tough, tough choices with his defensive line after Week 4 of the NFL preseason, and a number of good-quality names may be on the chopping block.

So a strong outing in Kansas City could make those decisions that much tougher.