49ers to start Jimmy Garoppolo against Raiders, with Trey Lance mixed into action

SANTA CLARA — Jimmy Garoppolo remains the 49ers’ starting quarterback ... at least through Sunday’s preseason finale against the Raiders.

Coach Kyle Shanahan would only go so far as that Friday, when asked who’ll start this coming game and possibly their next one, which would be the Sept. 12 regular-season opener.

“I don't mind (saying for) this game: I plan on putting Jimmy out there with the starters and I plan on mixing Trey (Lance) in there, like we wanted to last week and see how it plays out,” Shanahan said.

The Press Democrat’s Inside the 49ers blog

In last Sunday’s preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Garoppolo played all 15 snaps in the opening series, then was replaced by Lance, who played into the third quarter and led a 15-10 comeback win.

The plan against the Raiders is for the starting unit to play the first half, and Shanahan noted it could be a shorter shift if enough is accomplished early in the second quarter.

Wide receiver issues

Starting wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has a hamstring issue that will keep him out against the Raiders, and Shanahan expects him to return to practice next week.

The prognosis is not as positive for wide receiver Richie James Jr., who is facing surgery that will keep him out six weeks. James reported pain Thursday and underwent an MRI. Shanahan was unsure what exactly the injury is, other than it is not a season-ending ligament tear.

Jauan Jennings (heel) is expected to play Sunday after missing the last game and practice time this week.

Hurd among top 6

As for wide receiver Jalen Hurd, Shanahan said he’s considered among the top six wide receivers, but that doesn’t guarantee him a roster spot.

“I’ve seen Jalen and what he’s done. I know he’s one of our top six receivers. That’s not an issue. But that’s how Dee Ford was last year, and how Tartt is. We know they’re one of our top guys at their position. But it’s such a scary thing and hard decision with the 53(-man roster),” Shanahan said.

“We have other guys there after those who can make the team and help us. You have to make sure guys are healthy enough to play through the year, and don’t just get to Week 1 and last a quarter-and-a-half before another injury.”

General manager John Lynch, in an interview on KNBR 680-AM, said the 49ers remain excited about Hurd’s physicality, speed and hands.

“It would be a really good thing for our team if he could be out there. We’re pulling for him,” Lynch said. “He’s put in the work and hopefully he’s there, because he makes us a better team if he is.”

Bosa-Ford plan

Ford, the defensive end, won't see action in any preseason games, and odds are that Nick Bosa won’t, either, Shanahan said. Bosa joined team drills Wednesday for the first time this year and practiced back-to-back days.

Left tackle Trent Williams marveled at Bosa’s comeback, saying: “Nick’s been outstanding. I don’t know how he could have got stronger, but he did. Very few people come back from a major injury and got better than before they left. It’s definitely good news for The Faithful.”

Williams noted that Bosa returned sharper from a mental standpoint, too.

“You can feel his play strength but honestly he’s such a smart guy, standing around the game and studying the game, his mind always stays sharp,” WIlliams said. “He came back with a recipe of moves for me. I can tell he’s mentally gone through it.”

Verrett foot issue

Among those suited up in Friday’s pad-less walk-through were cornerback Jason Verrett, who didn’t practice the previous two days. Verrett is dealing with plantar fasciitis but Shanahan downplayed the issue and expects him to be fine for next week’s sessions.

Notes

— Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hip) won’t play Sunday, and rookie offensive tackle Jaylon Moore is overcoming a neck/shoulder stinger from Wednesday’s practice.

— Guard Aaron Banks (shoulder) and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (ankle) also were not at practice.

— Offensive tackle Corbin Kaufusi was re-signed after being waived three days earlier. He’ll presumably add depth in case the 49ers hold out Williams or if Moore is bothered by whatever ailed him earlier this week.

— Safety Kai Nacua, a BYU product like Kaufusi, was released in a corresponding roster move.