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49ers vs. Vikings: Week 1 preview for San Francisco

By Chris Wilson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Latavius Murray #25 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball against D.J. Jones #96 and Tank Carradine #95 of 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: Latavius Murray #25 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball against D.J. Jones #96 and Tank Carradine #95 of 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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San Francisco 49ers Minnesota Vikings 2018 Week 1 preview
Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images /

49ers injury news

The 49ers’ most significant injury occurred last weekend, when starting running back and free-agent acquisition McKinnon tore his ACL during last Saturday’s practice. McKinnon will be lost for the entire 2018 NFL regular season.

Yesterday, the 49ers placed SAM linebacker and special-teams star Dekoda Watson on injured reserve, which makes him ineligible to play for the first eight weeks of the season. Watson sustained a hamstring injury during practice on Friday.

With outside linebacker Eli Harold no longer with the team, and Pita Taumoepenu currently on the practice squad, Watson’s injury leaves San Francisco extremely light at the position. Mark Nzeocha — the lone SAM linebacker on the 49ers’ roster — will get his first career NFL start today.

Offensive lineman Erik Magnuson injured his hamstring during San Francisco’s preseason game against the Houston Texans. While it was originally reported that Magnuson would be out for two months, recent reports indicate he may be able to return earlier than initially expected.

After missing the entire 2017 regular season, and most of the 2018 preseason, inside linebacker Malcolm Smith is doubtful for tonight’s game with a hamstring injury. If Smith is unable to play, fellow inside linebacker Brock Coyle will likely start in his place.

Offensive lineman Garry Gilliam has been cleared to play from his preseason concussion, and is available if San Francisco chooses to activate him. If he suits up, Gilliam will be the 49ers’ backup swing tackle in today’s matchup.

Defensive back Jimmie Ward, who has been nursing a leg injury, is also expected to play. After four seasons as a starter when healthy, Ward will be relegated to a backup role in today’s game against the Vikings.

49ers injury news will be updated throughout the day, as information is released.