49ers-Browns Injury Report: Peyton Hillis Taking First Team Snaps

The 49ers and Browns released their respective Wednesday practice participation reports for Sunday and there are a few things worth discussing. The most notable for the Browns is Peyton Hillis getting back to practice. Hillis has struggled mightily this season due to injuries and some questions about contract distractions.

Hillis has played in four games, and aside from a solid game against the Indianapolis Colts, he just hasn't made anything happen. His backup, Montario Hardesty, has handled the load when Hillis sat, but aside from a solid game against the Miami Dolphins, he too has struggled to get much going. Entering a game against the 49ers ferocious rush defense, that cannot be a good sign for the Browns.

On the 49ers side of the injury report, Braylon Edwards remains a bit of a question mark for Sunday. Earlier in the week, coach Harbaugh had been seemingly optimistic about Edwards' chances of hitting the field Sunday, but he seemed to back off from that a bit. In his pre-practice press conference, Harbaugh said:

From what you saw from WR Braylon Edwards, how does he look out there?

"I think we need a little more evaluation. Might have been a little overly optimistic, just in general, about our guys making it back for this ball game. We'll assess it and determine it day by day."

Why? Once you saw them on the field, they weren't where you thought?

"Just might have been a little overly optimistic as to how far along some of the fellas were."

What's your concern with Braylon?

"Just that it needs to be assessed day by day."

It remains to be seen what to take from this since he could just be playing some mind games with Cleveland. Edwards was on the practice field today and might be best described as simply being realistic about his chances. The 49ers have done solid work without him on the field, but it would be nice to get another big play threat on the field. He spoke with the media after practice (transcript).

49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice
FB Moran Norris (fibula)

Limited Participation In Practice
WR Michael Crabtree (foot)
CB Tramaine Brock (hand)
WR Braylon Edwards (knee)
CB Chris Culliver (shoulder)
C Jonathan Goodwin (concussion)

Full Participation In Practice
CB Shawntae Spencer (toe)

Browns
Did Not Participate In Practice
G Shawn Lauvao (knee)
WR Mohamed Massaquoi (head)
S Raymond Ventrone (hamstring)
TE Benjamin Watson (head)    

Limited Participation In Practice
K Phil Dawson (right thigh)
LB Scott Fujita (head)
CB Joe Haden (knee)
RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring)
T Tony Pashos (ankle)    

Full Participation In Practice
G Artis Hicks (back)
CB Buster Skrine (hip)