The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings square off on Monday Night Football this week, playing the latter half of the now annual double-header. The Monday game means the teams do not have their first formal practices until Thursday. Meetings are happening on Wednesday, but we will not see a formal injury report until after Thursday's first practice.
With that in mind, I thought I'd put together an early look at what the injury report might look like. Teams do not have to officially report injuries during the preseason, so we are left with whatever the coaches are willing to say, and any other speculation out there. There are not many injuries of note at this point. That will change as the season moves along and bumps and bruises accumulate.
San Francisco 49ers
CB Tramaine Brock: He dealt with a leg strain in the latter half of the preseason, which followed numerous injuries last year. On Tuesday, Jim Tomsula said he did not expect Brock to end up on the injury report. When asked how Brock was doing, Tomsula said, "Great. I don't even think he's on anything today. I think we've got that to where we wanted it to be coming into the season. I don't think he's going to show up on any of your injury reports."
TE Vance McDonald: He rolled his ankle in the second preseason game, and sat out the final two games. He was in a walking boot, but appears to be out of it and in good shape. Tomsula had this to say on Tuesday: "Vance was running around yesterday really good, all the workouts and everything, sprinting and cutting and all that stuff. Again, I'm not sure where they'll put him there. I'm not even thinking about him." I could see him showing up on the report, but playing Sunday.
WR Torrey Smith: He dealt with a knee issue last week and missed the preseason finale. It appears the absence was precautionary, and he should be good to go. I could see him ending up as a "full participant" on the practice participation reports, and a "probable" for the game.
Minnesota Vikings
OT Phil Loadholt: The tackle tore his Achilles a couple weeks back, and is out for the season. This is the most significant injury on their roster, and is a big one. The loss has the Vikings moving rookie T.J. Clemmings from guard to tackle, and inserting Michael Harris in at right guard. This has raised questions about the right side of the line (sound familiar?), which is something the 49ers can look to exploit on Monday.
C John Sullivan: The center has not practiced since August 18 due to back spasms. Joe Berger has handled center in his place, and would get the start if Sullivan cannot play on Monday. The line seems to be the biggest question for the Vikings. Considering they have a second year quarterback, and a running back who has not played in nearly a year, it is cause for some concern.