The 49ers and Buccaneers released their Thursday practice participation report and an initial skim did not reveal any major changes. However, a closer look at the Bucs report had a pretty big addition. Cornerback Aqib Talib did not practice on Thursday due to a knee injury.
There is no further word on the injury but given that Talib practiced on Wednesday, it would appear as though the knee injury occurred then. We'll keep an eye out for this tomorrow and hopefully we'll hear more from the Bucs media. If Talib is unable to go on Sunday that is a pretty huge deal. He's had his ups and downs this year but he is a very solid cornerback.
His absence could be a big benefit for the 49ers receivers and the offense in general. Ronde Barber remains a solid corner even this late in his career but beyond those two the Bucs depth appears a little bit suspect. For now we'll have to wait and see if he practices on Friday. If he is unable to go Friday the odds only increase that he won't play on Sunday.