The Denver Broncos meet up with the San Francisco 49ers for Week 2 of the 2023 NFL preseason on August 19. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The game will air locally on
Denver Broncos
The Broncos played admirably in their first preseason appearance of 2023 last week, but ultimately came up short in the 18-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Russell Wilson stepped in as the starter and completed 7-of-13 passes for 93 yards and zero interceptions. He even hit his No. 1 wideout Jerry Jeudy for an early touchdown. It was an encouraging stat line given Wilson’s rough 2022 campaign. It’s possible that new head coach Sean Payton’s presence is having a positive effect on Wilson and the offense, at least so far. It’ll be interesting if Wilson appears against the Niners in a chance to build off his Week 1 outing. Nevertheless, Payton’s play calling is sparking something fresh in Denver.
Which Broncos will play, expected inactives
#49ers coach Kyle Shanahan tells KNBR Brock Purdy and starting offense might play a series or 2on Saturday. Sam Darnold will get the rest of the first half with Trey Lance going the second half in planned reversal from Week 1
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) August 17, 2023
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers had to overcome quite the obstacle, after their Week 1 blowout loss to the Denver Broncos.
The Niners sat most of their starters, but Trey Lance and Sam Darnold both struggled to put points on the board against the Las Vegas defense. Lance threw the team’s only touchdown in the first half and finished 10-of-15 for 112 yards. Darnold finished 5-of-8 for 84, so this QB battle is still too close to call. It’ll require another appearance in the next two games to determine who the true QB2 is on the depth chart behind Brock Purdy.
Which 49ers will play, expected inactives
Exceptions include Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Elijah Mitchell, Tashaun Gipson, Dre Greenlaw and, of course, Nick Bosa. https://t.co/gkdYP7ewcR
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 19, 2023
HC Sean Payton confirms RB Javonte Williams will play against the 49ers.
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) August 15, 2023
Said he doesn’t yet know how many snaps he’ll get and noted the Broncos will be smart with him.
