49ers injury report: LaMichael James, Justin Smith return to practice

The San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts released their Thursday practice participation reports, and we have an interesting bit of news. As expected, Justin Smith returned to practice, but more importantly LaMichael James was back at practice in a limited fashion. James has been out since the preseason finale against the San Diego Chargers with an MCL sprain.

James is unlikely to play this week given that he is only now returning to practice. The 49ers have a short week after Sunday's game, playing the St. Louis Rams on Thursday Night Football. Given his rehab, I don't think you'd want to play him Sunday, and then have him ready for TNF after only three day's rest. If he gets limited practice on Friday, I would imagine his chances of playing next week against the Rams climb over 50 percent.

The big question will be about the Colts as both their starting safeties have missed Wednesday and Thursday practice. The Colts defense has plenty of question marks when they're 100 percent, so removing one or both of the starting safeties certainly wouldn't help matters.

49ers Practice Report

Did Not Participate In Practice

Wednesday - TE Vernon Davis (hamstring), RB LaMichael James (knee), DT Ray McDonald (ankle, ankle), DT Justin Smith (shoulder)
Thursday - TE Vernon Davis (hamstring), DT Ray McDonald (ankle, ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice

Wednesday - LB Navorro Bowman (wrist), S Eric Reid (concussion), LB Aldon Smith (back)
Thursday - LB Navorro Bowman (wrist), RB LaMichael James (knee), S Eric Reid (concussion), LB Aldon Smith (back), DT Justin Smith (shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice

Wednesday - G Mike Iupati (shoulder), QB Colin Kaepernick (foot)
Thursday - G Mike Iupati (shoulder), QB Colin Kaepernick (foot)

Colts Practice Report

Did Not Participate In Practice

Wednesday - TE Dwayne Allen (hip), S Antoine Bethea (toe), S LaRon Landry (ankle)
Thursday - TE Dwayne Allen (hip), S Antoine Bethea (toe), S LaRon Landry (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice

Wednesday- LB Pat Angerer (knee), WR T.Y. Hilton (groin), WR David Reed (quadricep)
Thursday - LB Pat Angerer (knee), WR T.Y. Hilton (groin)

Full Participation in Practice

Wednesday - LB Kavell Conner (ankle), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (ribs), C Samson Satele (elbow), WR Reggie Wayne (shoulder)
Thursday - LB Kavell Conner (ankle), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (ribs), WR David Reed (quadricep), C Samson Satele (elbow), WR Reggie Wayne (shoulder)