Vernon Davis injury update: 49ers TE returns to non-contact practice

The 49ers returned for their second day of practice, and according to the beat writers, tight end Vernon Davis was back on the field in a black non-contact jersey. Davis has reportedly passed two of the three requirements needed to return to game action. Davis received an independent neurological test, and then passed a subsequent exertion test. The exertion test requires that Davis be aysmptomatic after going through exercise.

The final requirement is passing a contact test. As I understand it, the contact test requires getting hit with some padding and remaining aysmptomatic. That would likely happen Friday or Saturday. In the meantime, Davis is back at practice and will likely be listed as "limited participation" when the 49ers release their practice participation report later today.

If Davis is still unable to play on Sunday, Delanie Walker would move into the No. 1 TE spot, with Garrett Celek filling in as the No. 2 tight end. Given the 49ers extensive use of tight ends, that No. 2 spot is fairly important. So far it seems like good news on Davis, but we'll have to wait and see what the next 36 hours brings. I imagine Davis will be listed as questionable when the injury report is released tomorrow.