Ahmad Brooks Expected to Play in 49ers' Season Opener vs. Vikings

When the San Francisco 49ers take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, they will likely have linebacker Ahmad Brooks on the field.

Per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula is expecting Brooks will play on September 14.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee included a statement from the NFL regarding its own investigation into Brooks' case:

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Based upon our investigation to date, we determined that placing Ahmad Brooks on the Commissioner's Exempt List was not warranted. Our review will continue during the legal proceedings and we will examine all available information from the court under the Personal Conduct Policy.

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On August 26, Brooks was given a misdemeanor sexual battery charge by prosecutors in Santa Clara County, per Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today.

Included in Jones' report is a statement from 49ers general manager Trent Baalke:

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The organization is aware that a misdemeanor charge has been filed against Ahmad Brooks stemming from a December 2014 matter. We take any charge against a member of this organization seriously and are in communication with the NFL. Ahmad is returning home to California and will not participate in Saturday’s game.

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The charge stems from an alleged incident on December 14, 2014, in which a woman accused Brooks of groping her at the house of former 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald, per court documents obtained by TMZ Sports.

Barrows noted that Brooks has been "removed" from the 49ers since he was charged, but will rejoin them on Monday.

Brooks, who has been a starter for the past four seasons, has recorded at least six sacks in five of the past six seasons.

The 49ers lost inside linebackers Chris Borland and Patrick Willis to retirement and outside linebacker Aldon Smith was released in August. Aaron Lynch, who is entering his second season with the team, likely would have been in line to start if Brooks were held out for any games pending an outcome in his case.