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San Francisco 49ers: Three keys to Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Lions

By Frank Yien

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

1. Offensive Line – New Faces Filling In

The key to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s success will be protection. Garoppolo can throw the deep ball accurately, but needs the offensive line to give him time to do it.

Entering the season, the 49ers carried only eight offensive linemen. Then, right guard Mike Person (foot strain) and his backup Joshua Garnett (dislocated toe) went down with injuries against the Vikings.

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Against an elite Viking defense, the banged up O-line did their best to protect quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, giving up three sacks under difficult circumstances.

Joshua Garnett did not practice this week, and is officially listed as out. Mike Person’s injury appeared to be less severe – he saw limited practice on Friday and is officially listed as questionable. We may see him come off the bench.

To shore up their offensive line, the Niners signed Matt Tobin and activated Najee Toran from the practice squad this week.

Tobin, 28, has been in the league for six years. He was with the New England Patriots last year but did not appear in any games.

Najee Toran, 22, will be seeing his first regular season action and will likely start. He played in all four preseason games, so he has a familiarity with the offensive system that Tobin does not.