The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 6 contest against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.
Some good news for the 49ers: Running back Elijah Mitchell returned to practice after being sidelined for two games due to a knee injury. Jordan Mason has served as Christian McCaffrey's backup in Mitchell's absence.
Both Mitchell and guard Aaron Banks were limited. Banks is recovering from a mild shoulder strain.
"The two of them practiced today, Banks and Elijah," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on KNBR just after the practice participation report was released. "So they got through practice, which is a good sign."
During early open portion of #49ers practice, RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) was in uniform and participating. First time we've seen him at practice in a couple weeks.
G Aaron Banks (shoulder) also participating. Was listed as limited yesterday. pic.twitter.com/EiRl0BsxwS
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 12, 2023
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw missed Thursday's practice due to a hamstring injury.
"Dre couldn't go today, so hopefully, he'll feel better tomorrow," Shanahan said.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson remains sidelined from practices due to a bruised right rotator cuff. It's looking more likely that the 49ers defense faces quarterback P.J. Walker on Sunday.
When questioned about preparing for the Browns amidst their quarterback uncertainty, Shanahan said, "We've got to be ready for all of them. We know they like to run the ball. We know their quarterbacks can make plays. And we'll be ready for all three, though."
Update: Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports that Watson will not play on Sunday.
I'm told the #Browns QB Deshaun Watson will not play Sunday vs the 5-0 #49ers, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 12, 2023
Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Browns, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
LB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring)
Limited Participation in Practice
G Aaron Banks (shoulder), RB Elijah Mitchell (knee)
Cleveland Browns Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
G Joel Bitonio (knee), TE David Njoku (hand, face), WR Cedric Tillman (hip), QB Deshaun Watson (right shoulder)
Limited Participation in Practice
DE Myles Garrett (foot), C Ethan Pocic (chest, knee, foot)
Full Participation in Practice
RB Jerome Ford (knee)
