49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 biggest storylines for 2021 preseason opener

49ers vs. Chiefs Storyline No. 1: The secondary vs. Patrick Mahomes and Co.

The Niners secondary was one of the prime question marks entering training camp, mainly because of depth concerns, potential injuries and the infusion of three rookies: Ambry Thomas, Talanoa Hufanga and Deommodore Lenoir.

On top of that, newer faces to San Francisco — Tavon Wilson, B.W. Webb and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix — are all vying for starting jobs, too, or at least placement on the 53-man roster.

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Well, what a way to iron out the kinks than by going up against the NFL’s leading quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, and a first-string Chiefs defense for the first quarter.

Head coach Andy Reid has already said his starters will play a quarter. Whether or not this means Mahomes is on the field until the first 15 minutes are in the books is anyone’s guess, but having to face off against a Chiefs offense that averaged 6.3 yards per play last season should be a great litmus test to determine how effective both the 49ers starters and likely reserves can be.

Even though Reid probably won’t be dialing up the most complex of play calls.

For rookies like Thomas, Lenoir and Hufanga, it might be a bit overwhelming. Yet it also wouldn’t be shocking to see at least two of those names get a series or two against Mahomes and Co.

Welcome to the NFL, rookies.

The Niners and Chiefs kick off on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.