The San Francisco 49ers conduct their final practice of the week on Friday, and it sounds like Vernon Davis is probably doubtful for Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Jim Tomsula told the media that Davis felt good enough to get on the field, but they would see how he looks before deciding his final status. He got some individual work in, but when team drills began, Davis departed for individual work with the trainers.
Davis sat out Wednesday and Thursday practices, so with no team drills completed this week, his status is not looking good for Sunday. My guess is he is listed as either doubtful or out for the game. The team listed Bush as doubtful last week following a similar pattern, and he was then downgraded to out on Saturday.
If Davis is unable to go, that would mean more work for Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek and Blake Bell. I like the idea of seeing more from Bell, but as David Neumann pointed out, more heavy tight end packages probably will not lead to more success this Sunday against the Packers. The 49ers need to be trying to run the ball from more 3+ WR sets. The strength of this Packers defense is from the base because of their impressive defensive linemen. If the 49ers can spread them out, they can remove some of the linemen, and potentially open up some running lanes.
Will the 49ers actually make some of these changes? The team has focused on those heavier packages, with Jim Tomsula emphasizing the importance of tight ends to their offense. But the time has come for adjustments. And against a team as dynamic as the Packers, this is critical.