With Reuben Foster suspended and Malcolm Smith working back from a hamstring injury, it was no secret rookie linebacker Fred Warner a clear favorite to make his first career start in Sunday’s season opener against the Vikings.
Warner admitted on Wednesday that was the plan.
“I’m very excited, being this will be my first start,” he said. “I’m just trying to make sure I’m as prepared as possible.”
Warner, a third-round draft pick from BYU, will be one of two 49ers rookies expected to play every down in Minnesota. The other is ninth-overall pick Mike McGlinchey, who will man right tackle against the Vikings’ formidable pass rush.