Jim Harbaugh: Ray McDonald to play in 49ers' opener

The San Francisco 49ers will be without several of last year's defensive starters when they begin their season Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, but defensive tackle Ray McDonald won't be among those sidelined.

McDonald is slated to play Sunday despite being arrested last weekend on a domestic violence complaint, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday.

Under the NFL's new domestic violence policy, first violations earn a six-game suspension. The second infraction results in an indefinite ban.

Harbaugh said Friday that McDonald's case needed to play out.

"Two principles are woven together here. I feel like the way the facts are and what's known, that he has the liberty to play in the game," Harbaugh told reporters.

McDonald started 14 games for the 49ers last season, recording 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks.