Which 49ers starters will play in 1st preseason game vs. Packers?

The 49ers open up their 2022 preseason at home against the Packers on Friday, and we’ve got some hints as to which starters will see the field.

You’re not alone if the San Francisco 49ers’ 2022 preseason snuck up on you awfully quick. After all, it seems like just a few weeks ago when the Niners made it through this year’s NFL Draft, and subsequent offseason workouts and training camp just flew by.

The Niners kick off this year’s exhibition phase at home against the Green Bay Packers in what’ll be something of a grudge match after San Francisco upset quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Co. in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs last January.

Except for the final score from this preseason bout on Friday, Aug. 12 won’t count for anything.

Because of this, don’t expect a ton of starters to suit up for the game at Levi’s Stadium. And those who do likely won’t see the field for very long.

49ers preseason: Which starters will play vs. Packers?

All three of the 49ers’ preseason games this year take place within a 12-day period, so head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday he was only planning on fielding a few of his starters against Green Bay:

"Some of [the starters]. We’ve got a pretty good idea. I definitely wanna see how these practices go these first two days. I’d like to get guys to play in this game mainly because I don’t want them to play in the second game."

For that second game, the Niners travel to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Aug. 20, and both teams will engage in two joint practices before the exhibition bout.

Shanahan might field more starters for that game, opting to give the bulk of his first- and second-string units a rest for the third and final preseason game at the Houston Texans on Thursday, Aug. 25.

San Francisco is going to field a portion of its starting offensive line, per Shanahan, who said, “I want some of them in there at least.”

That probably points to the three interior linemen: left guard Aaron Banks, center Jake Brendel and right guard Spencer Burford, all of whom were listed with the first-team unit on the 49ers’ first unofficial depth chart of the year:

This probably means starting tackles Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey won’t play.

Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who missed all but four games last season with a knee injury, does appear poised to play, however, per Shanahan:

"[Kinlaw] has been great. To be able to keep pushing the reps up and up and for him to have no setbacks, it’s been awesome. And hopefully, we’ll be able to get him in this game [on Friday], too, depending on how these next two practices go."

Read More: Every preseason game 49ers will play in 2022

It seems unlikely Shanahan will dress top starters like wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle and EDGE Nick Bosa, though.

Will Trey Lance play in 49ers preseason game vs. Packers?

Second-year quarterback Trey Lance has had his share of up-and-down moments during training camp, including a forgettable practice last Sunday, followed by a strong outing on Tuesday after Shanahan spoke with the media.

The first-year starter needs more reps as he prepares for the QB1 role after sitting behind Jimmy Garoppolo for almost all of 2021, and that’s what the Niners plan to do versus the Packers.

“In my mind, right now, I’d like Trey to get in, in games one and three,” Shanahan added.

This suggests Lance won’t see anything but those joint practices against the Vikings, but it’s possible he winds up taking a full series or two when the Packers come to town. Maybe even a full quarter, depending on how things go.

San Francisco and Green Bay square off for Week 1 of the preseason on Friday, Aug. 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.