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Fooch's Update: The 49ers just announced TE Asante Cleveland was waived, and QB Josh Johnson was re-signed. That would seem to bode well for Davis and/or McDonald's return.
The San Francisco 49ers locker room was open to the media Tuesday morning, and it gave the media a chance to see how Vernon Davis might be progressing in his return from an ankle injury. The team will not issue their first practice report until Wednesday, but early returns are positive.
Limp-less Vernon Davis walks through the locker room, says ankle is "way better."
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 23, 2014
#49ers Vernon Davis not only says ankle is "way better," he looks way better and shows no limp
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 23, 2014
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh met with the media on Monday, and was asked about Vernon Davis. Harbaugh was asked if he had "a feeling where Vernon Davis might be on Sunday", to which he said he was optimistic, and very hopeful that he would play on Sunday. Davis's limp was apparently pretty bad last Wednesday and Thursday, but looking better by Friday. Davis did not participate in practice at all last week, so we'll be looking to see him at least get some limited work in this week.
The 49ers other practice DNPs last week included cornerback Tramaine Brock, offensive tackle Anthony Davis, center Marcus Martin, and tight end Vance McDonald. Of that group, Martin is the only one who will remain on the injury report this week.
Vance McDonald was deactivated due to a knee injury. Earlier in the week, McDonald said an examination revealed no structural damage, and he was hopeful to play in Week 3. That obviously did not work out. Coach Harbaugh was not asked about McDonald. The 49ers are back at practice on Wednesday, with Coach Harbaugh meeting the media beforehand, so we'll see if we hear anything about McDonald's injury.
Tramaine Brock continues to sit out with a toe injury that has been described as turf toe. He has missed the last two games since departing Week 1 with the injury. A turf toe injury can linger for upwards of a month and a half. There are less serious versions, so we just need to wait and see what the practice report shows us.
And of course, hamstring injuries can linger as well. Anthony Davis remains sidelined with his own hamstring injury. He returned to practice late in the preseason following offseason shoulder surgery, and then proceeded to injury his hamstring. He has not practiced through the first three weeks of the season, and there is no indication when he might return. His absence is being felt as much as any. Jonathan Martin had a second straight poor performance this weekend, and at times seem to be struggling to stay above water.
Defensive tackle Ray McDonald left Sunday's game during the final four minutes, with Tony Jerod-Eddie handling the final eight snaps. A day later, Jim Harbaugh clarified the absence. He said McDonald suffered a dislocated finger. We will probably see him on the injury report, but he should be fine to play against the Eagles.