FOUR THINGS TO WATCH IN 49ers' preseason opener with Minnesota

Keep an eye on these areas in Friday's game:

n. Quarterbacks, of course. Alex Smith will be relieved by Colin Kaepernick. Josh Johnson will make his 49ers debut and Scott Tolzien will see his first action as a 49er.

  • Kyle Williams, widely considered the scapegoat for last season's NFC Championship game loss, will "most definitely" get a crack at returning punts again, coach Jim Harbaugh said.

  • Which undrafted rookies could surprise? Nathan Palmer is among a trio of promising, undrafted receivers while outside linebacker Kourtnei Brown's frame resembles that of Aldon Smith.

  • Harbaugh's affinity for two-way players might be best on display with Demarcus Dobbs, who is moonlighting at fullback after making last year's roster as an undrafted defensive lineman.


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