San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh met with the media Monday afternoon, and he provided some injury updates as the team returns from its bye week. Earlier today we heard that Glenn Dorsey was back at practice. Additionally, Harbaugh said that left guard Mike Iupati has been cleared from his concussion. Linebacker Patrick Willis was back at practice this week in limited fashion. He sat out practice in Week 7, and was inactive for the Broncos game. The return to limited work would seem to indicate this is not as bad a toe injury as that suffered by Tramaine Brock. That being said, we still don't know exactly when he will be back in game action.
When asked about running back Marcus Lattimore, Coach Harbaugh said the team was going to bring him back to practice on Wednesday. That will open the 21-day window, after which the 49ers will have to decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster, or deactivate him for the rest of the year. Although I could see Lattimore being a game day inactive a decent amount once added to the 53-man roster, it makes sense to have him available. If Frank Gore or Carlos Hyde missed any time with an injury, the team does not have any other legitimate running back options. Lattimore seems to be ready from a health standpoint, so we'll see what it brings.
Coach Harbaugh was asked about linebacker NaVorro Bowman and tight end Garrett Celek, both of whom remain on the PUP list. He said neither would be back at practice this week. Bowman is rehabbing his knee injury, while Celek has been dealing with a back disc issue. Vic Fangio said Bowman would get a couple weeks of practice before returning to the 53-man roster. My guess is he returns to practice in the next 2 or 3 weeks. As for Celek, there has not been a single word said about his status since Coach Harbaugh mentioned the disc issue back in early August. I have no idea when he will return, if at all this season.
Finally, Coach Harbaugh said he had not heard anything new on the status of linebacker Aldon Smith. He is in the middle of a 9-game suspension, but there have been reports he could have his suspension cut short due to good behavior.