The 49ers will be without a few key defensive players Sunday when they open the 2021 NFL season in Detroit against the Lions.
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw are inactive, as is veteran cornerback Josh Norman, rookie running back Trey Sermon and rookie offensive lineman Aaron Banks.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Sermon being inactive is a surprise. The 49ers traded up in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft to select the electric Ohio State running back, and many believed he would excel early on in San Francisco's rushing attack.
Veteran running back Raheem Mostert will be backed up by JaMychal Hasty and rookie Elijah Mitchell.
RELATED: Report: 49ers ready to unveil Lance package vs. Lions
Moseley has been dealing with a knee issue all week, while Norman, who just joined the 49ers, isn't quite ready.
San Francisco 49ers
Jason Verrett will start at one corner spot and the 49ers will either go with Dontae Johnson or rookies Deommodore Lenoir or Ambry Thomas.
Kinlaw was not expected to play as he barely practiced last week, but Kevin Givens will play Sunday.
The Lions, meanwhile, will be down a few key members on the defensive line.