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Five things to watch in 49ers exhibition debut against Cowboys

SANTA CLARA – Picking up where they left off, the 49ers are coping with injury concerns — past, present and future — as they start exhibition action Saturday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

This year’s Levi’s Stadium debut is not enough to foolishly entice coach Kyle Shanahan to play quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, as well as a host of other projected starters, including new linebacker Kwon Alexander. Others will miss because of injury, such as top draft pick Nick Bosa and fellow pass rusher Dee Ford.

“You absolutely don’t need four preseason games,” Shanahan said. “I’d rather have zero than four.