49ers hit hard by injury bug in preseason opener

The San Francisco 49ers were given a rude welcome to the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, as five players had their night end in the first half.

George Kittle, expected to be the team's starting tight end, left the game due to a shoulder injury.

Sophomore running back Matt Breida also sustained a shoulder injury and was ruled out shortly after.

Linebacker Malcolm Smith was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. He limped off the field following the opening kickoff.

Defensive end Solomon Thomas had his night end along with Kittle late in the first quarter. He was diagnosed with a head injury.

Offensive tackle Garry Gilliam, re-signed to a two-year contract this offseason, was the lone member of the four to make it into the second quarter. He was also ruled out with a head injury.