The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their preseason campaign with a 17-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in an exhibition game on Saturday evening. With most veteran players and expected starters sitting on the sidelines, this matchup provided an opportunity for younger players, rookies, and recent acquisitions to make an impression on the field. A notable aspect of the game was the implementation of the new kickoff rule, as the 49ers tested out various kick return tandems throughout the contest.

Opting to receive the ball first after winning the toss, the 49ers sent second-year receiver Ronnie Bell and wideout Trent Taylor as the initial kick returners. Taylor returned the ball for 18 yards on his first attempt, setting up the 49ers on their own 26-yard line for their first offensive series. In his second attempt, Taylor managed a 19-yard return, once again offering San Francisco favorable field position. Later in the game, wide receiver Tay Martin and running back Cody Schrader formed the kick return tandem.

In terms of defense, linebacker Dee Winters made quite the impression early in the game. Winters displayed his aggressiveness and instincts by making a crucial goal-line tackle on Titans quarterback Will Levis, preventing a potential touchdown. He further demonstrated his skill by recording a tackle for a loss of six yards against running back Tyjae Spears.

In the offensive backfield, the 49ers relied on a fresh group of running backs due to recent injuries. Third-year player Jordan Mason, who had been standing out in training camp, made an immediate impact. During the opening drive, Mason bulldozed his way through defenders to find the end zone, scoring the 49ers' first touchdown of the game and giving them a 7-0 lead with just over nine minutes left in the first quarter. However, Mason's touchdown would be the only score for San Francisco in the first half.

Safety Malik Mustapha also caught the eye with a notable play in the second quarter. Facing a crucial fourth-down attempt by the Titans, Mustapha tackled running back Hassan Haskins in the backfield, leading to a turnover on downs after a successful challenge by the 49ers. The defense's efforts were further reinforced by rookie corner Renardo Green, who recovered a fumbled pitch from Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph, providing the 49ers with favorable field position.

On the offensive line, Dominick Puni earned a start at right guard, alongside Chris Hubbard, Aaron Banks, Nick Zakelj, and Colton McKivitz. With early injuries affecting the offensive line, rookies have been given substantial playing time and opportunities to showcase their skills during training camp and the preseason.

In terms of quarterback play, the 49ers divided responsibilities between Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs. Allen took the reins in the first half, completing 7-of-13 pass attempts for 98 yards. Some of his notable throws included a 21-yard third-down conversion to Ronnie Bell and a deep shot down the middle to wideout Frank Darby.

Dobbs took over in the second half and delivered an impressive performance, completing 14-of-20 pass attempts for 146 yards. His highlights included a 13-yard gain to Tay Martin on the left sideline and a 21-yard connection with Trent Taylor on a crucial third-and-15 situation. Dobbs ultimately showcased his dual-threat capabilities by scrambling into the end zone for a touchdown. Despite the failed two-point conversion attempt, Dobbs kept the 49ers in the game until the final moments.

In the closing stages of the game, Dobbs led the offense on a promising drive down the field, culminating in a final pass play to the end zone in an attempt to secure victory. However, it fell incomplete, resulting in the 49ers coming up short against the Titans.

Although the preseason opener ended in defeat for the 49ers, the team had opportunities to assess their younger players, rookies, and new acquisitions. With the regular season fast approaching, these exhibitions provide valuable experience and insights for the coaching staff as they shape the roster and strategies for the year ahead.