The San Francisco 49ers are headed back to practice at 2:40 p.m. on Thursday, and we'll get more information about where some of the players stand as Week 6 approaches. The most notable names right now are Carlos Hyde and Vernon Davis. Hyde is dealing with a foot injury, while Davis is dealing with a knee injury.
Carlos Hyde
Hyde missed practice on Wednesday, and based on what is being said, he will likely miss Thursday's practice as well. That being said, all indications are that he will play on Sunday. The issue is not over-doing it in the meantime. Geep Chryst had some comments on it:
Geep Chryst just compared Carlos Hyde's foot injury to Jonathan Stewart's from a few seasons back. Take that as you wish. #49ers
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) October 15, 2015
Chryst added that he expects Hyde to "come out and play well on Sunday." #49ers
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) October 15, 2015
#49ers RB Carlos Hyde was walking around the locker room without a noticeable limp or protective gear on his foot.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) October 15, 2015
Carlos Hyde seen walking through locker room w/o limp. Sounds like #49ers trying to preserve him as best as possible, that he'll play SUN.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) October 15, 2015
The folks at KFFL.com put together injury histories for NFL players, and the Jonathan Stewart page is lengthy (set search to All years). His big issue in 2012 and 2013 was an ankle injury. He missed the final five games of 2012, then opened the season on the PUP list due to surgery. Given some of the comments, and the fact that he finished off the Giants game, it doesn't seem to be that kind of issue. And of course, it is worth noting that if you breathe on Jonathan Stewart wrong, it seems like he gets hurt.
Even if Hyde is good to go this Sunday, my guess is we see more Jarryd Hayne and Mike Davis on Sunday. Reggie Bush is dealing with a calf injury, and I don't expect to see him playing on Sunday.
Vernon Davis
Davis told Mindi Bach that he suffered a grade 1 MCL sprain and bone bruise. A grade 1 sprain is the lowest level, and it involves tenderness, but usually no swelling. A ligament sprain is still technically a tear, and in the case of a grade 1 sprain, less than 10 percent of the fibers are torn. The bigger issue is the bone bruise. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with his own MCL injury, and also the bruise. It sounds like the bruise makes it even more of a pain management issue.
#49ers Vernon Davis says he suffered a grade 1 MCL sprain & bone bruise. He said he had a "chance to explode on the ball" in practice Wed.
— Mindi Bach (@MBachCSN) October 15, 2015
#49ers Vernon Davis said the extended treatment over the weekend helped & he expects to play this Sunday.
— Mindi Bach (@MBachCSN) October 15, 2015