Beuerlein Will Start Ahead of Evans in Exhibition Opener Against 49ers

Steve Beuerlein will start at quarterback in the Raiders’ exhibition opener Saturday night against the 49ers in San Francisco, a team source said Wednesday.

This is a mild upset, because Vince Evans had been suspected to be first among the three fighting for the No. 1 spot at the start of camp.

Evans will work the second half. Jim Plunkett, the third entry in the competition, will start the Raiders’ second exhibition next week against the Dallas Cowboys.

“We’re doing it in alphabetical order,” said Coach Mike Shanahan, laughing.

“I think Steve has done an excellent job, as have the other two. To say one person’s ahead is really premature. I’m just looking to see how they respond to game situations.”

Beuerlein spent his rookie season on injured reserve but is regarded by Raider officials as their quarterback of the future. They may be trying to see if he can take this chance and run with it now.

Raider Notes

Howie Long (neck), Bill Pickel (ribs), Lionel Washington (groin), Mervyn Fernandez (ankle), Brad Budde (ankle) and Don Mosebar (late start after back surgery) are expected to sit out the game. Rookie Terry McDaniel, the No. 1B pick, will take Washington’s left cornerback spot, Mike Wise and Greg Townsend will start at defensive ends, Malcolm Taylor will go at nose tackle and Bill Lewis will be the center. . . . San Diego linebacker Chip Banks announced that he wants to be traded to the Raiders, too, as were Willie Gault and Jim Lachey. The Chargers said no. Said Coach Mike Shanahan, laughing, “We’ll take him.”