SANTA CLARA -- Linebacker Brock Coyle started 10 games for the 49ers last season, but he was expected to fall back into a role as a core special-teams player this season.
But it's looking more and more possible that Coyle will be back in the 49ers' starting lineup in Sunday's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith is listed as doubtful after going through limited practice this week because of a hamstring injury sustained in the 49ers' Aug. 9 preseason opener.
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Smith missed all of last season with a torn pectoral after signing a five-year, $26.5 million contract on the first day of free agency.
Rookie linebacker Fred Warner will start in the middle of the 49ers’ defense.
Coyle is looking like the favorite to start against the Vikings because of Smith’s injury and Reuben Foster’s two-game suspension for violations of the NFL’s policies on substances of abuse and personal conduct.
Reserve outside linebacker and special-teams contributor Dekoda Watson was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
San Francisco 49ers
Cornerback Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) and offensive tackle Garry Gilliam (concussion) will be available to play. Gilliam will be the backup at both tackle positions, coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday.
Shanahan also confirmed that Mike Person will start at right guard over Joshua Garnett.
49ers Injury Report
Out
T Erik Magnuson (hamstring)
LB Dekoda Watson (hamstring)
Doubtful
LB Malcolm Smith (hamstring)
Friday's Practice Report
Did not practice
T Erik Magnuson (hamstring)
Limited practice
LB Malcolm Smith (hamstring)
LB Dekoda Watson (hamstring)
Full participation
T Garry Gilliam (concussion)
DB Jimmie Ward (quadricep)
Vikings Injury Report
Out
T Aviante Collins (elbow)
C Pat Elflein (ankle, shoulder)
RB Roc Thomas (ankle)
Doubtful
CB Mackensie Alexander (ankle)
Questionable
CB Xavier Rhodes (hamstring)
Friday's Practice Report
Did not practice
T Aviante Collins (elbow)
Limited practice
CB Mackensie Alexander (ankle)
C Pat Elflein (ankle, shoulder)
RB Roc Thomas (ankle)
Full participation
WR Stacy Coley (groin)
T Riley Reiff (foot)
CB Xavier Rhodes (hamstring)
CB Marcus Sherels (hamstring)
This Sunday, be sure to watch 49ers Pregame Live at 9 a.m. and 49ers Postgame Live immediately after the game on NBC Sports Bay Area and live streaming on the NBC Sports app. Greg Papa, Donte Whitner, Jeff Garcia, Matt Maiocco and Laura Britt will have everything you need to know from the 49ers’ season opener.