May 10th, 2009 
Matt Loede 
Posted in Pro Football Weekly reports that Ray McDonald will likely miss the first part of the season after MCL surgery:
Sources tell Pro Football Weekly that the knee surgery to reconstruct 49ers DE Ray McDonald’s medial collateral ligament will keep him out of action through training camp and the first part of the season. Also on the D-line front, we hear 2008 No. 1 pick Kentwan Balmer is expected to rotate at nose tackle with Aubrayo Franklin and Isaac Sopoaga, as well as play left end.
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That simplifies camp. McDonald and his intriguing first step will be shelved on whatever category of injured allows the team to reactivate him later (if at all).