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Which starters won't play on Sunday when 49ers host Saints?

The Niners plan on playing more of their starters in Week 2 of the preseason against the Saints.

But, which first-team guys still end up on the bench in street clothes?

By Peter Panacy

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (L) and defensive end Nick Bosa (R)
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (L) and defensive end Nick Bosa (R) / Michael Zagaris/GettyImages
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Brock Purdy is likely starting for the 49ers on Sunday against the Saints, but which other starters are going to rest in preseason Week 2?

According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, Week 2 of the preseason is going to look a little bit more like a regular-season game.

The San Francisco 49ers host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and Shanahan told reporters he plans on giving a larger number of his starters some snaps during the exhibition contest. A week ago, Shanahan rested the bulk of his first-team offense and defense, including quarterback Brock Purdy, against the Tennessee Titans.

Purdy is going to start the game, according to Shanahan. Although it's likely he and the rest of the starters won't see more than a couple of drives to open up the game before giving way to the backups.

But Shanahan also alluded the probability of some of his starters not seeing the field at all.

"I want to play a number of them," Shanahan said. "I wouldn’t say all of them, but I’d like to get a lot of them in there for at least a little bit."

Who will that group of starters not include?

49ers starters who won't likely play vs. Saints in preseason Week 2

Shanahan wasn't specific with which starters will sit on Sunday, but there are likely some decent conclusions.

Here's our guess:

  • LB Fred Warner (foot)
  • RB Christian McCaffrey (calf)
  • OL Aaron Banks (finger)
  • WR Brandon Aiyuk (contract dispute)
  • OL Trent Williams (contract dispute)
  • DE Nick Bosa (rest)
  • WR Deebo Samuel (rest)

Related story: 49ers vs. Saints: 5 preseason storylines fans won't want to miss

Additionally, linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) are on injury lists and won't partake in the game until cleared, the latter looking more and more like a Week 1 regular-season probability.

However, one might guess other key players like wide receiver Deebo Samuel and cornerback Charvarius Ward would get at least a few snaps in before exiting.

The Niners kick off against the Saints on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

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