49ers open Ronald Blair IR return practice window

The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field on Wednesday, and they welcomed back some defensive line depth. Defensive tackle Ronald Blair was placed on injured reserve at the beginning of the season, but Wednesday saw the 49ers open his practice window, according to Chris Biderman.

A player placed on injured reserve after final roster cuts can return to practice after six weeks, and can return to game action after eight weeks. Blair will practice these next two weeks, giving the team time to figure out if he can contribute this season. He can return to game action in Week 9.

The 49ers placed Arik Armstead on injured reserve earlier this week following a broken hand. The team placed Tank Carradine on IR earlier this year as well, and he is eligible to return to practice after Week 9, and to game action in Week 11. Armstead could return to game action from IR after Week 14.

The 49ers will have some decisions to make in a few weeks, when Tank Carradine can return to practice. Teams can return a maximum of two players from injured reserve. If Blair returns to game action, they will then have one more return option available. My guess is Tank would be the guy, but we’ll see what happens in November.