The San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers released practice participation reports late Thursday afternoon, and each team had one player sitting out. Running back Reggie Bush did not participate in the 49ers session due to a calf injury, and cornerback Brandon Boykin did not participate in the Steelers session due to a groin injury.
Bush remains a question mark for Sunday's game, and all indications are that he probably sits. The team was conservative with injured players in the preseason, and I don't expect that to change. Muscle strains in particular can be tricky. As Tomsula said, an aggressive approach can turn a four-day injury into a six-week injury. Geep Chryst said Jarryd Hayne would remain the backup running back if Bush could not go, but I suspect we would see Mike Davis get some reps as well.
The Steelers acquired Brandon Boykin for a fifth round pick in early August, and then proceeded to play him zero defensive snaps and ten special teams snaps against the New England Patriots. It was an odd decision, and this injury report does not bode well. He was a limited participant on Wednesday, and then downgraded to DNP on Thursday. If he does not improve on Friday, it seems unlikely he plays. One would think the Steelers secondary could use him considering how they played in Week 1.
The bigger issue for the Steelers is suspensions and a longer-term injury. Running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Martavis Bryant are both suspended for the game for violations of the substance abuse policy. This is the last game in Bell's suspension, while Bryant has two more to serve. The team is also missing Maurkice Pouncey with a broken ankle.
49ers injury report
Wednesday
DNP: RB Reggie Bush (calf)
Thursday
DNP: RB Reggie Bush (calf)
Steelers injury report
Wednesday
DNP: CB Cortez Allen (knee), LB Ryan Shazier (knee)
Limited: CB Brandon Boykin (groin)
Full: S Will Allen (concussion), QB Landry Jones (concussion), S Michael Mitchell (hip), LB Sean Spence (hamstring)
Thursday
DNP: CB Brandon Boykin (groin)
Limited: CB Cortez Allen (knee), LB Ryan Shazier (knee)
Full: S Will Allen (concussion), QB Landry Jones (concussion), S Michael Mitchell (hip), LB Sean Spence (hamstring)