49ers rookie Warner expects to start

SANTA CLARA — With Reuben Foster suspended and Malcolm Smith working back from a hamstring injury, it was no secret rookie linebacker Fred Warner a clear favorite to make his first career start in Sunday’s season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Warner admitted on Wednesday that was the plan.

“I’m very excited, being this will be my first start,” he said. “I’m just trying to make sure I’m as prepared as possible.”

Warner, a third-round draft pick from BYU, will be one of two San Francisco 49ers rookies expected to play every down in Minnesota. The other is ninthoverall pick Mike McGlinchey, who will man right tackle against the Vikings’ formidable pass rush.

Minnesota’s offense also appears promising. The Vikings are hoping Kirk Cousins provides a meaningful upgrade over Case Keenum after the team reached the NFC title game last season. Pair Cousins with receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, and the Vikings have Super Bowl expectations.

And they’ll be running a Super Bowlcaliber offense. The club this offseason hired John DeFilippo to be its new coordinator to replace Pat Shurmur, who took the head coaching job with the New York Giants. DeFilippo dialed up plays for the champion Philadelphia Eagles last season with backup quarterback Nick Foles at the helm.

DeFilippo emphasizes run-pass options, giving the quarterback the option to execute a designed running play — or throw a quick pass based on the alignment of the defense before the snap. It will make things especially difficult on