49ers third string QB Nick Mullens will make first career start tonight vs Raiders

Tonight’s game just keeps getting more and more intriguing. Sorry, I couldn’t say that with a straight face.

49ers QB C.J. Beathard was to be a game time decision for tonight against the Raiders, but with three hours until kickoff, the decision has been made. Tonight’s QB will be Nick Mullens, making his first career start. Beathard will be his backup while still recovering from an injured throwing wrist.

In true Bosa Bowl fashion, the 49ers are pulling out all the stops to get that top pick in the 2019 draft. Giving the 2017 undrafted free agent QB Mullens not only his first career start but his first ever appearance in an NFL regular season game tonight is a pretty solid way to accomplish that. They even cut third string QB Tom Savage today, which means Beathard will be the only backup.

Last season the Raiders and 49ers had identical records (6-10) and strength of schedule, prompting a coin flip which the 49ers won. Then they took Mike McGlinchey who the Raiders were set to select with the next pick.

Now they’re looking to jump ahead of the Raiders again even without a coin flip. We’re onto you, 49ers.