Quarterback Blaine Gabbert clearly did not have a promising debut for the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason opener at the Baltimore Ravens last week.
Gabbert completed 5 of 15 passes for 44 yards and he never looked comfortable. But do not expect Gabbert to get less playing time Sunday. He will get more as Kaepernick likely will not get to play much on Sunday, possibly a series or two. Josh Johnson comes in after Gabbert. That is ugly.

San Francisco has had some issues on defense. Linebacker Patrick Willis missed his second straight practice. He suffered a slight stinger Sunday while working against the Baltimore Ravens. Willis did not play in the preseason opener against the Ravens on Aug. 7 and is doubtful. He had 104 tackles last year.

Running back Kendall Hunter (torn ACL) was lost for the season, and running back LaMichael James (dislocated elbow) was lost for the preseason in the first weekend of camp. A week later, standout nose tackle Glenn Dorsey was lost for the majority, if not all, of the season with a torn biceps. The defense was already working from behind with inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman set to miss about half of the season as he recovers from an ACL tear.

WR Michael Crabtree will not play Sunday nor will RB Frank Gore. The Niner starters will play into the second quarter, which is nothing exceptional.