By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

(Sports Network) - Aaron Rodgers' second start of the 2008 preseason figures to be a little less nerve-wracking than his first.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback, who last Monday sat in judgement before a national television audience and a tense Lambeau Field crowd, won't have to deal with those elements in Saturday's warm-up against the San Francisco 49ers from Candlestick Park.

In his first appearance since predecessor and Green Bay legend Brett Favre was traded to the New York Jets, Rodgers completed 9-of-15 passes for 115 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 20-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

This week, the former first-round pick's obstacle will be the team that passed him up in the 2005 Draft.

The 49ers opted to bypass Rodgers in order to draft Alex Smith No. 1 overall, a decision that helped the Cal product slip all the way to Green Bay in the No. 24 spot.

Rodgers is expected to play most of the first half on Saturday, with rookie backups Brian Brohm (8-of-17, 70 yards, 1 INT against Cincinnati) and Matt Flynn (12-of-21, 97 yards, 1 touchdown) succeeding him in the lineup.

Also slated to be in uniform against the 49ers are running back Ryan Grant (hamstring), wide receiver Greg Jennings (knee), and cornerbacks Al Harris (back) and Charles Woodson (undisclosed), who were held out of action versus the Bengals for precautionary reasons.

Defensive linemen Ryan Pickett (hamstring), Justin Harrell (back), and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) are among the notable Green Bay players expected to remain out on Saturday.

While the Packers look for their starting quarterback to make strides on Saturday, the 49ers are simply hoping a signal-calling candidate emerges.

In last Saturday's 18-6 loss to the Raiders, none of the San Francisco quarterbacks - J.T. O'Sullivan (5-of-8, 73 yards), Alex Smith (5-of-9, 51 yards), or Shaun Hill (10-of-20, 83 yards, 1 INT) - led a touchdown drive.

O'Sullivan, who reportedly has a slight edge in the quest to become starter, is expected to open Saturday's contest.

The Green Bay game should also mark the Niner debut of veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes, who was signed earlier this week. Spikes started 14 games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, and previously spent time with the Bills (2003-2006) and Bengals (1998-2002).

The 49ers hold a 2-1 edge in their all-time preseason series with the Packers, including a a 24-3 road victory in the last such meeting, prior to the 1975 campaign.