SANTA CLARA — The 49ers play their first preseason game Saturday night on the road against the Tennessee Titans, a month before the start of the 2024 regular season.
Here’s a look at key dates leading up to the opener:
Aug. 10: Preseason opener at Tennessee Titans, 4 p.m. (PDT)
The 49ers get their first dress rehearsal against an opposing team. Jordan Mason will likely see action near his hometown of Gallatin, Tennessee, with Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell sidelined with injuries. Brock Purdy leads the starting offense in the preseason for the first time in his career thanks to elbow injury rehab last year.
Aug. 15-16: Joint practice sessions with New Orleans Saints at U.C. Irvine
This year’s iteration of the modern tradition of joint practices brings the 49ers together with the Saints. If Trent Williams isn’t back from his contract holdout, Jaylon Moore will be tasked with keeping former short-time 49ers defensive end Chase Young from mock-sacking Purdy.
Aug. 18: Second preseason game vs. New Orleans Saints, 5 p.m.
The only chance for 49ers fans to see the team in a home game before the season starts. East Bay Raiders fans get their shot to see Derek Carr, a longtime hub of debate among the fanbase.
Aug. 23: Final preseason game vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 7 p.m.
The former cross-bay rivals face off in the preseason for the third time in four years. Jimmy Garoppolo will not be the Raiders’ quarterback in this affair after being cut this offseason and signing with the Rams.
Aug. 27: Roster cut from 90 to 53 players
The 49ers will have difficult decisions to make as they prepare for a season of bumps and bruises. Top questions include the reserve quarterback spots, the final linebacker count and the depth cornerback positions.
Aug. 28: Practice squad of 17 players is established
How many of the 49ers’ preferred practice squad players will go unclaimed by other teams after roster cutdown day?
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Sept. 9: Regular season opener vs. New York Jets, 5:15 p.m.
Are you ready for some football (with a side of drama)? NorCal native Aaron Rodgers, 40, leads the Jets to Levi’s Stadium, where he’ll open the season on Monday night for the second consecutive year. He tore his Achilles on the third play of last year’s opener at MetLife Stadium in his Jets debut.
