49ers depth chart: Dre Greenlaw lone rookie starter ahead of Week 1

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The 49ers’ decision to release veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith last week was a clear signal that rookie Dre Greenlaw has earned his role in the team’s starting lineup.

Greenlaw, a fifth-round draft pick from Arkansas, is the only 49ers rookie listed as a starter for the team’s season opener on Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the club released its unofficial depth chart on Tuesday.

Greenlaw is listed by the 49ers’ football communications staff as starting at the SAM linebacker position, alongside fellow starting linebackers Kwon Alexander and Fred Warner.

The club’s defensive line consists of starting defensive linemen Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Sheldon Day. First-round pick Nick Bosa is listed at No. 2 on the depth chart behind Ford at left defensive end. Bosa appears to be on pace to return to action Sunday after missing a month of practice with an ankle sprain.

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Jimmie Ward is listed as the starter at free safety ahead of Tarvarius Moore, while Ahkello Witherspoon is slated to start at right cornerback ahead of Jason Verrett, according to the depth chart.

Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are expected to share the load at running back. Breida is listed atop the depth chart as the starter. Breida was also listed as the starter on the depth chart in the preseason, though Coleman started both games in which the two top running backs played.

The 49ers’ starting wide receivers remain to be seen, but the club lists Dante Pettis and Marquise Goodwin as the starters ahead of Kendrick Bourne, Deebo Samuel, and Richie James.

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