The preseason does not include a formal inactive requirement, but the San Francisco 49ers announced some players that will not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos. The team tweeted that CB Tramaine Brock, LB Philip Wheeler, LB Demond Bishop, TE Vance McDonald and S Craig Dahl will all sit out the game with various injuries.
The big news is that this likely means running backs Reggie Bush and Kendall Hunter will both make their preseason debuts. Bush has been a full participant in practice this preseason, but has been sidelined as the team prepares for Week 1. My guess is we don't see a whole lot of Bush, but I could see a series, maybe two. As for Hunter, I expect him to have a busy game given the fight he might find himself in with Jarryd Hayne.
The absence of Brock and McDonald is not surprising given their respective injuries. Brock tweaked his hamstring, and while he is expected to be ready for Week 1, there was no way the team would push him in a preseason game. I imagine he sits out next Thursday as well, which means more opportunities for Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker. McDonald rolled his ankle, and I expect the same thing next Thursday. This means more opportunities for Busta Anderson.
The absence of Dahl with a back injury means we could see Jimmie Ward get significant playing time at safety. Although he was the team's slot corner last year, he has focused on safety in training camp.