HOUSTON – Less than two hours before kick-off, the San Francisco 49ers announced that three veteran players will not play in the team's preseason opener against the Houston Texans.
Linebacker NaVorro Bowman, tight end Vernon Davis and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett will not play in the game.
The 49ers also announced the following changes to the starting lineup:
- Vance McDonald for Davis
- Shayne Skov for Bowman
- Nick Moody for Michael Wilhoite
There was a chance Bowman could return to the field for the exhibition opener, but it sounds like the 49ers will continue to take a careful approach with the star linebacker who hasn't played in a game since January of 2013.