Darnell Dockett Injury: Updates on 49ers DL's Ribs and Return

The rebuilt San Francisco 49ers defense cannot afford many injuries, and it seems as though the Niners may have dodged a blow in regards to defensive lineman Darnell Dockett.  

Continue for updates.

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Tomsula: Dockett Expected to Be Ready for Week 1

Tuesday, Sept. 1

According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, Dockett claimed on Snapchat that he suffered a "cracked rib" during Saturday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos.

Per Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, however, 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula insists that it is a cartilage-related issue rather than a break of any kind. He also expects the 34-year-old veteran to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season.

Dockett signed with the Niners during the offseason after spending the first 11 years of his career with the rival Arizona Cardinals. The former Florida State standout made three Pro Bowls during his time with the Cards, and he figures to be a huge part of San Francisco's defense in 2015.

The former third-round draft pick is penciled in to be part of a defensive tackle rotation with Glenn Dorsey, Quinton Dial, Tank Carradine and rookie Arik Armstead.

Linebackers Patrick Willis, Chris Borland and Dan Skuta, defensive lineman Justin Smith and cornerbacks Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver departed during the offseason, which has certainly tested the defense's overall depth.

Defensive line may be the one position at which San Francisco has a bit of leeway, but with Dockett already standing out as one of the primary veteran leaders on that side of the ball, optimism regarding his health is very positive news for a 49ers team that hasn't experienced much of it over the past year.

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