49ers' DeAndre Smelter: Not a candidate for IR

Smelter (hamstring) -- who was held out of Saturday's game -- is not a candidate to be placed on injured reserve to start the season, CSN Bay Area reports.

Analysis:

The fact that GM Trent Baalke has definitely stated that Smelter will not land on IR indicates that he is nearing a return to the field. A hamstring strain has cost him valuable playing time during the preseason, and his status as a deep sleeper looks less and less likely due to the injury. If Smelter were to play Friday and have a standout performance, he could quickly elevate himself up the depth chart with several lackluster options ahead of him.