The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers open the season on Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. After a disappointing fourth-quarter collapse in Super Bowl LIV, the Niners enter 2020 with championship expectations. That's a far cry from a year ago, when not much was expected and the 49ers surged to a 13-3 record.
With much of the roster and most of the coaching staff back, San Francisco believes it has what it needs to return to the big game -- and win it this time.
Here's a 53-man roster projection:
QUARTERBACK (3): Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens, C.J. Beathard
The 49ers have kept three quarterbacks in recent years; it's unlikely that will stop this year, given the coronavirus pandemic. Of more interest is how this position shapes up beyond this season, as Beathard is set to be an unrestricted free agent and Mullens will be a restricted free agent.
RUNNING BACK (5): Raheem Mostert, Kyle Juszczyk, Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon, Jeff Wilson
With Mostert's contract situation settled, there's not much drama here aside from the battle for a potential fifth spot. If the Niners keep that many, Wilson has plenty of competition from undrafted rookie JaMycal Hasty, who could swipe a final spot here.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor, Dante Pettis, Jauan Jennings
The Niners have been hit hard by injuries and opt-outs, leaving fewer options at wideout. Samuel's status for Week 1 remains up in the air, and Richie James is expected to start the season working back from a wrist injury. All of which means the Niners could hang on to a veteran such as Tavon Austin, who can also return punts. Regardless, there seems to be a clear-cut quartet of Samuel, Aiyuk, Bourne and Taylor to handle the bulk of the snaps, if healthy.
TIGHT END (4): George Kittle, Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner, Jordan Reed
Four tight ends might be one too many, and it wouldn't be a surprise if the 49ers save a roster spot by going with one less here. Woerner is a blocking specialist. Reed is still working his way back into football shape. Dwelley's foot injury is a bit of a wild card.
OFFENSIVE LINE (8): Trent Williams, Laken Tomlinson, Daniel Brunskill, Mike McGlinchey, Ben Garland, Tom Compton, Colton McKivitz, Justin Skule
Center Weston Richburg will be ticketed for the physically unable to perform list, which means the Niners' top eight should be pretty clear. They could hang on to an extra tackle like Jaryd Jones-Smith, but they're more likely to stash some extra linemen on the practice squad. One more thing to watch: the possibility of an upgrade to the depth on the interior, especially at right guard, if someone shakes loose elsewhere.
DEFENSIVE LINE (10): Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, Javon Kinlaw, D.J. Jones, Solomon Thomas, Kerry Hyder, Ronald Blair, Kentavius Street, Kevin Givens
The Niners are again so loaded up front that they could easily keep 10 here, and the case could be made that someone like undrafted rookie Darrion Daniels is worth keeping as well. Defensive tackle Jullian Taylor (knee) is unlikely to be ready, so he could come back later in the season. Blair's status for Week 1 is up in the air. If he's ready to go, he will stay. If not, don't be surprised if the Niners keep nine defensive linemen and add him to the mix when he's cleared to go.
LINEBACKER (5): Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander, Dre Greenlaw, Mark Nzeocha, Azeez Al-Shaair
It wouldn't be the first time the Niners went a little light at linebacker, especially given Greenlaw's versatility. The battle here is for the final two spots. Al-Shaair and Nzeocha narrowly overcome Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and Joe Walker. Flannigan-Fowles has a chance to surprise but he can probably go to the practice squad.
CORNERBACK (5): Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley, Ahkello Witherspoon, K'Waun Williams, Jason Verrett
Williams' health will go a long way in determining if the Niners keep an additional option at the nickel, such as Jamar Taylor. But even if Williams' status isn't certain, the Niners have options such as sliding Moseley or Verrett inside with Witherspoon on the outside. Taylor could also be a candidate for the practice squad, which is where Tim Harris and Dontae Johnson also would make plenty of sense.
SAFETY (4): Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, Tarvarius Moore, Marcell Harris
The first three should be locked in, leaving an intriguing contest between Johnathan Cyprien and Harris for the last spot. Cyprien has made some plays in camp and brings valuable experience, but Harris knows the system and Cyprien probably could be brought back later, even if he declines a spot on the practice squad as he has said he would.
SPECIALIST (3): Robbie Gould, Mitch Wishnowsky, Kyle Nelson
This trio is locked in and ready to go.