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Panthers vs. 49ers: Previewing Week 1 for San Francisco

By Logan Stanley

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to teammate Carlos Hyde #28 against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to teammate Carlos Hyde #28 against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Significant injuries

As it stands, the 49ers have lost two starters to injury for the season. Linebacker Malcolm Smith tore his pectoral muscle during an August practice, and was placed on injured reserve. Coincidentally, offensive lineman Joshua Garnett injured himself at the same practice. Garnett hurt his knee, and after arthroscopic knee surgery, was eventually placed on injured reserve.

Here’s the full list of current 49ers injuries:

  • Tight end George Kittle (hamstring) — This has been a reoccurring issue for the rookie tight end. Kittle originally hurt his hamstring in training camp, and it lingered around, causing him to miss some preseason action. Kittle’s listed as doubtful. This is ESPN’s Nick Wagoner on Kittle:

"Niners rookie TE George Kittle aggravated his hamstring injury and is also limited in practice on Wednesday. Was poised to start against the Panthers but that’s now a question going into Sunday."

  • Defensive end Aaron Lynch (ankle) — Also a lingering injury, Lynch hurt his ankle early on preseason. The injury has flared up, and Lynch was limited in the first practice of the week. Lynch is officially questionable for the game.
  • Safety Jimmie Ward (hamstring) — Ward originally hurt his hamstring during the opening week of training camp, and it’s stuck with him ever since. He’s listed as doubtful for the game.