SANTA CLARA – The 49ers saw the return of several players at the start of their bonus practice on Thursday, but since the week is officially a bye, there will be no official practice report.
Arik Armstead, sidelined since Week 14 with foot and knee injuries, was seen in the first part of practice open to the media. The centre-back was likely to take part in a lively, hard-fought session, but it could only take place on a limited basis.
Rookie safety Ji'Ayir Brown was also back after missing two games with a knee injury, but position mate Tashaun Gipson was sidelined with a quadriceps injury. If Gipson is unable to return to the divisional round after injury, the team could once again rely on experienced Logan Ryan to step in.
A day after George Odum's practice window opened on Wednesday, the safety and special teams ace was spotted wearing a blue non-contact jersey during practice. He was assisted by Ambry Thomas in defensive warm-ups. The Michigan native missed the regular-season finale because he had to undergo hand surgery.
Fred Warner was happy to see his large group of defensive colleagues back on the field.
“It’s so nice to see these guys out there in uniform,” Warner said. “You talk about a guy like Arik and how important he is to us and what we do. It was great to see him in uniform again. It’s just good to get everyone out there moving so that when the time comes next week, when we need it, everyone is ready to go.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the 49ers saw the return of Jauan Jennings after he cleared the league's concussion protocol. Brandon Aiyuk was immediately aware of the wideout's presence.
“I think first of all it’s the mindset,” Aiyuk said. “He carries this through the rest of the room. Just the energy of having him back out there on the field. We still heard him when he was gone, but we only heard him in the crowd, on the sidelines. He has a good energy in him and everyone can feel it.”
The 49ers are cautious with Christian McCaffrey, who suffered a strained calf in the team's Week 17 win over the Washington Commanders. San Francisco is keeping him out of practice for the second week in a row and as long as the All-Pro running back doesn't suffer any setbacks, the league's top seed will be ready for the divisional round.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who has been suffering from Achilles tendonitis since Week 17, was also not at practice that day. As with McCaffrey, the 49ers are cautious with Greenlaw, who should be available for practice next week.
Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano was also forced out of practice due to a back injury, but remains committed to returning before the divisional round.
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