The 49ers will finally face off against a different colored uniform this week as they face the Raiders on Sunday, August 13. But don’t expect a heavy dosage of the first-team offense or defense.
During an appearance on NFL Network, the 49ers head coach was asked how many starters will play: “Very little. We’re much more into the scrimmages than the games.”
You can control the environment of a scrimmage. Coaches can ensure that players stay off the ground and, above all, that the quarterbacks don’t get hit. If the coaching staff wants to see the team work during on third downs or in the red zone, they can script those out.