Look for San Francisco to air it out a lot. With an NFL-high 13 wideouts on the roster, the 49ers are plotting ways to get them action in Thursday's exhibition opener. The healthy ones, that is. "We'll come up with a plan. We haven't nailed that down just yet," offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. "Everybody is going to have an opportunity."

With Peyton Manning likely to play most of the first quarter, the Broncos will get some points too.

The Niners are a bit banged up in the secondary. Craig Dahl will draw the start at free safety, and Demarcus Dobbs will replace defensive tackle Justin Smith (finger) Thursday against the Broncos, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. Smith returned to practice Tuesday in the non-padded session. Dahl has been a part of the four-way competition for the starting job with first-round pick Eric Reid, C.J. Spillman and Trenton Robinson. Michael Wilhoite likely will start in place of linebacker Patrick Willis (hand).