49ers expect injured players back for Week 1

The 49ers lost six players to injury in the preseason opener. There’s a good chance each will be back by the time the regular season begins.

“Yes, it looks like, we’re hoping they’ll all be available Week One to start the season,” coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Friday. “I know [linebacker] Malcolm [Smith], he has a hamstring, I do not think he will be available this week in Houston but I think he’ll be week-to-week and I think he’ll have a chance after this week. As far as our shoulder guys, running back Matt Breida and tight end George Kittle, they both separated their shoulders and we won’t have either of them until Week One. [Offensive lineman Garry] Gilliam and [defensive lineman] Solomon [Thomas] are both in the concussion protocol so we’ll see how that plays out here over the next few days. [Linebacker] Eli [Harold], he’s day-to-day with a knee contusion, but he should be day-to-day. . . . Did I miss anyone?”

Of course Breida and Kittle are the offensive fantasy options most of us are worried about. But it looks like the injuries aren't that significant and they should be at full strength for Week 1 in a tough matchup against the Vikings.