SANTA CLARA – Early injuries to five key players made for a miserable opening act of the 49ers exhibition season Thursday night.
The casualties: defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, tight end George Kittle, linebacker Malcolm Smith, running back Matt Breida and No. 3 offensive tackle Garry Gilliam.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo safely got pulled one series into the carnage, after he completed 3-of-6 pass for 34 yards on a drive that stalled near midfield against the visiting Dallas Cowboys.