The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns posted their second practice participation reports Thursday afternoon, and once again Vance McDonald and Aaron Lynch were listed as DNPs. They did individual work on the side, but no team drills. They were DNPs on Wednesday as well, as they continue their way through the concussion protocol. If they do not practice on Friday, I believe that all but guarantees they would not play on Sunday. However, if they are listed as limited, it leaves open a decent chance they play on Sunday.
If McDonald cannot play, Blake Bell would get the start at tight end, and the team would promote at least one of their two practice squad tight ends. Brian Leonhardt and Jamie Childers are currently on the practice squad, and Leonhardt seems the most likely to be promoted. He might be promoted even if McDonald can play since the 49ers have no other tight ends on the roster.
If Lynch cannot play, Corey Lemonier and Eli Harold would split snaps opposite Ahmad Brooks. A couple weeks ago, when Brooks was out, Lemonier was listed as the starter, but Harold was the first of the two on the field with the starting defense, so make of that what you will. Ray-ray Armstrong is listed as an outside linebacker, but he's also listed at 220 pounds, which seems light for what the 49ers need from their 3-4 OLBs. If Lynch could not play, I doubt Armstrong would get any work outside unless one or more of Brooks, Harold or Lemonier got hurt.
49ers injury report
Thursday
Did not participate: RB Carlos Hyde (foot), LB Aaron Lynch (concussion), TE Vance McDonald (concussion), WR Torrey Smith (back, toe), LB Michael Wilhoite (ankle)
Limited participation: G Alex Boone (knee), DT Quinton Dial (shoulder), LB Eli Harold (shoulder), C Marcus Martin (ankle), T Joe Staley (knee), G Andrew Tiller (knee)
Full participation: DT Arik Armstead (shoulder), WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), LB Navorro Bowman (shoulder, finger), RB Kendall Gaskins (hamstring), T Erik Pears (knee), DT Mike Purcell (shoulder), S Jaquiski Tartt (ankle)
Wednesday
Did not participate: LB Navorro Bowman (shoulder, finger), RB Carlos Hyde (foot), LB Aaron Lynch (concussion), TE Vance McDonald (concussion), T Joe Staley (knee), LB Michael Wilhoite (ankle)
Limited participation: G Alex Boone (knee), DT Quinton Dial (shoulder), LB Eli Harold (shoulder), C Marcus Martin (ankle), G Andrew Tiller (knee)
Full participation: DT Arik Armstead (shoulder), WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), RB Kendall Gaskins (hamstring), T Erik Pears (knee), DT Mike Purcell (shoulder), S Jaquiski Tartt (ankle)
Browns injury report
Thursday
Did not participate: CB Justin Gilbert (concussion), CB Joe Haden (concussion), WR Andrew Hawkins (concussion)
Limited participation: TE Gary Barnidge (ankle), WR Travis Benjamin (shoulder), WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion), WR Brian Hartline (hip), WR Marlon Moore (ribs)
Full participation: WR Dwayne Bowe (not injury related), G Cameron Erving (ankle), QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow), DE Randy Starks (not injury related), T Joe Thomas (not injury related)
Wednesday
Did not participate: WR Travis Benjamin (shoulder), WR Dwayne Bowe (not injury related), WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion), CB Justin Gilbert (concussion), CB Joe Haden (concussion), WR Andrew Hawkins (concussion), DE Randy Starks (not injury related), T Joe Thomas (not injury related)
Limited participation: TE Gary Barnidge (ankle), G Cameron Erving (ankle), WR Brian Hartline (hip), WR Marlon Moore (ribs)
Full participation: QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow)