The San Francisco 49ers appear to be inching closer to full strength as the team heads into Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on Sunday. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (hamstring) and defensive end Nick Bosa (leg) returned to practice on Monday. They were joined by pass rusher Dee Ford (calf) and wide receiver Trent Taylor.
The 49ers activated linebacker Fred Warner from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday.
While wide receiver Deebo Samuel (foot) continues to miss practices, rookie wideout Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) was on hand for Thursday's session, according to multiple reports.
#49ers practice starts with WR Brandon Aiyuk in uniform for first time since hamstring strain pic.twitter.com/EsBkssmhdw
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 10, 2020
The 49ers will issue an official practice participation and injury report in a few hours.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have been optimistic that Aiyuk would also be available for Sunday. The hope is to have both him and Samuel heading into the start of the season. The 49ers, however, have just one more full practice scheduled this week.
Also practicing was center Ben Garland, which is good news for the 49ers' offensive line.
Most pivotal 49ers injury question for Sunday vs. Arizona is Ben Garland's health. If he can't play, SF will be on its third-string center.
Here's how Garland, back from a sprained ankle, is moving during practice warmups: pic.twitter.com/UJxJnY72fe
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 10, 2020