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Matt Barrows of SacBee reports that starting nose tackle went down with a knee in jury and was carted off the field. It is believed to be a sprained knee. The injury occurred on a fake handoff during which the offensive line goes one way and quarterback breaks it back the other. "It's like the whole line collapsed and he got caught under the pile," fellow defensive lineman said.

While Franklin is out, will man the starting spot with rookie backing him up. Nolan has been very high on Franklin all offseason and expects him to solidify the nose tackle position, which over the past couple of years had been rotated between the inconsistant but freakishly strong and athletic Sopoaga, Fields and undersized ex-Niner .

UPDATE: Reports are that it is a sprained MCL and Franklin will miss the preseason.