When do you think Marcus Lattimore returns to the field?

The long awaited debut of Marcus Lattimore continues to drag along, as the running back continues to get himself back to 100 percent. The San Francisco 49ers have him on the NFI list, which provides him a chance to continue his rehab. If this continues into the regular season, they have retained their opportunity to keep him on the NFI list into the season.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh met with the media Friday morning, and he had an interesting comment about Lattimore. Coach Harbaugh said Lattimore would be part of the team "in some form or fashion." That's not exactly the clearest of answers, but given what we know about Jim Harbaugh, that does not surprise anybody.

Trent Baalke spoke to the media last week and also had some comments about Lattimore. He said there had been no setback in the injury, but the NFI listing was "to make sure, and so does he, that he's 100-percent ready to go mentally and physically to help this football team."

While Harbaugh's comment was a little odd, it seems to jive with what Baalke said to some extent. The 49ers really are in no rush to get Lattimore back. While they have lost depth due to the Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James injuries, they also still have a potential "work horse" backup in Carlos Hyde. Lattimore eventually can get back on the field, but given the nature of his injury, there is no point in rushing him.

With that in mind, when do you expect him back? This is really just a shot in the dark poll, but I figured it would be interesting to see what people think. The poll is when to see him get his first on-field action (not counting practices). Will we see him this preseason? Will he open on the NFI list. I want to see him get back in part because of the help to the 49ers run game, but also because it would complete a fantastic story. Given that the 49ers have options already in the run game, I'm fine waiting, but it can be hard being patient!