Programming note: For continuing news on Ray McDonald's situation, tune in to SportsNet Central tonight at 6 p.m., 10:30 and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area
SANTA CLARA -– Defensive end Ray McDonald, arrested last weekend for felony domestic violence, traveled with the 49ers on Friday and is set to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said the decision was made based on what the 49ers know about the incident that occurred over the weekend in San Jose, resulting in McDonald's arrest.
Harbaugh said McDonald will play "as it stands now" in the regular-season opener.
“I always feel like what the facts are and what’s known that Ray has the liberty to play in the game,” Harbaugh said.
[RELATED: Goodell in no rush to pass judgment on 49ers' McDonald]
When asked whether the information gathered points favorably toward McDonald, Harbaugh declined to answer.
“As we talked about the other day, in terms of that question, it’s a legal matter and I’ll refer back to that,” Harbaugh said.
San Jose Police arrested McDonald early Sunday and was taken into custody after officers identified physical evidence on the alleged victim. McDonald’s fiancé is reportedly 10 weeks pregnant.
Many 49ers players were in attendance at the party to celebrate McDonald’s 30th birthday.
“I’m his teammate, and I support him to the fullest,” 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks said. “I believe the truth will prevail and the truth will come out.”
[RELATED: 49ers Quick Hits: Optimism surrounding McDonald situation]
San Jose Police has not completed its investigation and turned over its findings to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of formal criminal charges.
McDonald was late getting to the 49ers' practice field on Wednesday and Thursday. Harbaugh explained, “He was dealing with the matter.”
“(I) weighed in on it to the best of my ability, the organization has, the commissioner of the NFL has, and there’s nothing more to add right now,” Harbaugh said.
Commissioner Roger Goodell, while speaking to USA Today on Wednesday, expressed his thoughts on enforcing the NFL’s more severe punishments for acts of domestic violence.
“I think the first thing we have to do is let the process play out, get the facts, and make sure you understand all the circumstances," Goodell said. "We don't (know the facts) right now and we're obviously following it very closely. But the policy will be applied uniformly across players, coaches, executives, commissioners. I think we made that very clear in the policy."
