Golden Nuggets: Issues Keep Mounting

That did not take long. We were 1 week away from the season opener in Dallas. Just days after the NFL announced a new domestic violence policy following the Ray Rice fiasco, Ray McDonald finds himself as the test subject of this brand new policy. Barring new revelations about the incident he was arrested for, McDonald will find himself suspended for 6 games and one more incident away from a possible ban from football. Without knowing what actually happened between him and his pregnant fiance, it seems clear that McDonald's future as a 49er could be in jeopardy depending on what happened that night.

The Niners head into the new season with quite a few concerns about the team. They will be without NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith for half the season and are probably losing McDonald for 6 games. The Niners are probably one team that has the depth to be able to succeed with these key players missing from their defense. The starting offense has not had a good preseason, even though that doesn't really worry me. I think Kap and the receivers will gel quickly considering they did not play very long in the preseason. The offensive line just received a boost with the return of Alex Boone. It's a welcome sign to have the Rhino back in the fold.

The offense is going to have to perform well to take pressure off the defense while key players are out. This offense has the players to do just that. Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde seem to be a good 1-2 RB punch and with more game time together, the receivers and Kap should find some rhythm. Is it Sunday yet?

49ers Links

This should be interesting | 1st Test Of Domestic Violence Policy (King)

If reports are true, Ray's career could be done. It has been said Harbaugh does not forgive violence against women | Harbaugh: Niners' Moral Compass (Kawakami)

I hope you are right Ray |McDonald Says The Truth Will Come Out (Smith)

McDonald Arrested On Domestic Violence (Barrows)

Just concerns that will be erased soon enough | Concerns Heading Into Season Opener (Williams)

Wait And See On McDonald, Boone (Maiocco)

Thoughts On Ray's Arrest (Lynch)

Hopefully he will be ready very soon | Boone Reporting In Good Shape (Barrows)

Ray Adds To Niner's Concerns (Inman)

Bold Predictions (Price)

Spillman Signs With Dallas (Maiocco)

McCray Makes Team (Branch)

Boone Passes Physical (49ers Staff)

There are some exciting rookies. Hyde looks set for a good year | Rookie Roundup (49ers Staff)

Team Gets Exemption For Boone (Barrows)

Domestic Violence Advocates Monitor McDonald's Situation (Shore)

Practice Squad Complete (Gutierrez)

Practice Squad Rounded Out With 3 Players From Outside (Maiocco)

Now that is an impressive list | Top 4 Players To Play With Both Niners/Cowboys (Pentis)