Anthony Davis clears concussion protocol, Frank Gore starts concussion protocol

The San Francisco 49ers were back at practice on Tuesday, getting ready for Saturday's game against the San Diego Chargers. Given the injuries up and down the roster, the team will likely have quite a few injured inactives on both sides of the ball. As Saturday's game approaches, running back Frank Gore is a question mark, but the team could have right tackle Anthony Davis back in action.

Although the team practiced on Tuesday, they did not have to release a participation report for Tuesday. They will release Wednesday and Thursday reports, which will give us a better handle on things. However, for now according to Matt Maiocco, Davis has cleared the concussion protocol. Davis likely will be listed as a full participant on the next Wednesday and Thursday reports, which would seem to indicate he could play on Saturday.

Davis was limited in practice all last week, which followed three straight weeks sitting out practice. He has missed four games with his concussion, but at this point would seem to be past his symptoms. Some people have suggested shutting him down for the season rather than risking another concussion. If he is past the symptoms, I am fine with getting him back out there before the season ends. Another concussion is possible, but it is possible now, or any game in the future.

Frank Gore suffered a concussion in Sunday's game, and has now entered the concussion protocol. According to Maiocco, Gore visited the doctor and did not participate in practice. He needs to be asymptomatic at rest, and then after exertion, before passing a contact test. If he is listed as a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday, we can be pretty certain he won't play on Saturday. If he is listed as limited on Wednesday and/or Thursday, it becomes a bit of a toss-up.

If Gore can't play, Carlos Hyde moves into the starting role. Hyde had an MRI on his injured back, and we have not heard the results. Alfonso Smith is the only other running back on the roster, so if we don't see the 49ers sign another running back, it would likely indicate Hyde's back is alright, and he'll play on Saturday.