What gets lost in all the excitement of the NFL preseason is the risk of injuries that comes with it. The San Francisco 49ers learned that the hard way Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Running back Matt Breida was among those that were forced to exit the game early. Fortunately, the shoulder injury he suffered does not seem to be too severe, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero:

49ers RB Matt Breida’s MRI showed no structural damage in the shoulder he injured Thursday and the team is hopeful he can rest and be ready for Week 1, per RapSheet and me. Could practice soon with no contact. Appears they dodged a bullet.

49ers fans can breathe yet another sigh of relief. The report comes just after tight end George Kittle's shoulder was deemed not to be too serious either. That said, San Francisco has experienced a stroke of luck as far as injuries go.

There is plenty of optimism surrounding the 49ers offense going into the 2018 NFL season. Breida was hoping to etch out a vital role for himself in the preseason. He largely served as a change-of-pace option to running back Carlos Hyde last year.

The former undrafted free agent showed flashes of promise down the final stretch of the 2017 campaign and ultimately finished with 105 carries for 465 yards and two touchdowns. He also managed to tack on 21 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown.

Breida is competing with running back Jerick McKinnon for the lion's share of touches. However, it appears he will have to wait until Week 1 of the regular season starts in order to do so.