49ers-Raiders joint practices this preseason? We’re here for it

According to a report from The Athletic, the 49ers are working on joint practices this preseason with the Raiders, which should be, um… interesting.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has a thing for joint practices with other teams during the preseason.

A year ago, prior to the Niners engaging in joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings, Shanahan told reporters that those scrimmages were much more valuable than any preseason game, and they were much more practical, too.

Heading into the 2023 offseason, it appears as if Shanahan would like to push for another practice session during the preseason.

Although the one potentially on the docket is far more interesting than practices with the Vikings.

49ers reportedly planning for joint practices with Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders

There’s no shortage of NFL buzz going on this week with the annual owners meetings taking place in Arizona, and all the head coaches and general managers are out and about, speaking with the media.

There are plenty of rumors and reports, too, including one from The Athletic’s Vic Tafur that said San Francisco was looking to schedule joint practices with the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of both teams’ preseason bout later in August:

That means a reunion with now-Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Garoppolo, of course, left the 49ers in NFL free agency after six seasons donning the red and gold. Now with Vegas on a three-year deal, it’ll be interesting to see if the Raiders’ own transition from quarterback Derek Carr to Jimmy G will be a fruitful one.

Meanwhile, the Niners are transitioning to two younger signal-callers, both of whom will be vying for the QB1 role this season and potentially beyond, Trey Lance and Brock Purdy.

Read More: Fans won’t believe this crazy perk that Jimmy Garoppolo has in Vegas

Garoppolo was well-respected within San Francisco’s locker room, and both Lance and Purdy looked up to him. Along with other friendships, such as the notoriously “bromanced” one with tight end George Kittle, it’ll be fun to see Garoppolo engage with a lot of his former teammates.

Assuming those joint practices end up being confirmed, of course.