Friendly faces return to the Bay in the 49ers’ preseason opener
The San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos will meet at Levi’s Stadium for their first preseason game of the 2025 NFL season. According to Pro Football Reference, the Broncos made their first postseason appearance since 2016 last year, while the 49ers missed the playoffs after making three straight NFC Championship games.
Both teams had very eventful offseasons. San Francisco extended linebacker Fred Warner, tight end George Kittle, and quarterback Brock Purdy. All three players were instrumental in their conference championship runs and recent Super Bowl appearance. The 49ers also bought back defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to lead a retooled defense.
This summer, Denver signed safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw to their already league-leading defense. Hufanga and Greenlaw were originally drafted by the 49ers and played significant roles in San Francisco’s success over the years. Now, they will return to Levi’s Stadium in opposing uniforms for Denver’s preseason debut.
“I love seeing them," said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. "I don’t really like practicing or playing against guys that I really like and have a lot of love for, but I [will] enjoy seeing them.”
The Broncos surprised many last season with their playoff berth, despite Pro Football Focus ranking their roster as second-worst in the NFL. However, in his rookie season, Bo Nix became the first quarterback since Peyton Manning to lead Denver to the postseason.
Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton indicated in a press conference that he will be playing Nix and other starters in Saturday’s game. The starters are likely to play a few drives before backups start to take over.
Payton: “We’re playing guys (starters) in the game (vs SF).”
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Shanahan has not revealed if his starters will play, but several injuries will keep certain players off the field in the preseason. According to CBS Sports, starting wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are both sidelined due to leg injuries and are likely to return at the beginning of the regular season. Other starters on San Francisco’s defense did not participate in Monday’s practice and are currently listed as questionable.
While the final score won’t carry weight in the standings, Saturday’s game still holds importance for both teams. The preseason gives coaches and front offices a chance to evaluate roster depth, gives young players meaningful in-game experience, and allows key position battles to play out.