The San Francisco 49ers returned to practice today and thus released the first practice participation report of the week. Heading into Sunday's game with the Vikings, things are making a turn for the better on the injury front. Kick returner/punt returner/sometimes wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. was back as a limited participant in practice after two weeks of DNPs. Ginn did some individual drills but went to a side field when team drills began, so the process of recovery continues.
Ginn injured his ankle in the preseason and has been slow returning. Kyle Williams has handled punt returns in his stead, while Kendall Hunter has been the primary kick returner. Williams has been solid for the most part, while Hunter had the fumble last week against the Lions. The 49ers have not been decimated by the loss of Ginn, but they have not been able to consistently win the field position battle. That was a strength last year, and is one thing that is eluding them to a certain extent. They are getting the big punts and kicks, but the returns remain an area for improvement.
Brandon Jacobs did not participate in practice, although he did suit up, which has not happened with regularity. The 49ers have done a strong job thus far with Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter, so the team would seem to be in no real rush to get Jacobs back on the field. Nonetheless, he brings value in short yardage situations where the team remains a bit up and down. We'll see what Thursday's practice brings.