Cornerback Chris Culliver, a front-runner to win a starting job this season, has been cleared to take part in 49ers practices this week as training camp opens.
Culliver reported to camp on Friday when veteran players rehabbing from injuries were allowed to report. The 49ers did not place him on the physically-unable-to-perform list, which indicates he has been cleared for on-field work.
Culliver sustained a torn ACL in his left knee during training camp last summer. He spent the season on injured reserve. Culliver continued to rehab during the 49ers’ offseason program and did not take part in any on-field team drills.
He spent his first two NFL seasons as the 49ers' No. 3 cornerback. Tramaine Brock and Culliver are the leading candidates to be the starting cornerbacks this season for the 49ers, who released Carlos Rogers and did not re-sign Tarell Brown in the offseason.
The 49ers' full squad is schedule to report to camp on Wednesday. The team's first practice is scheduled for Thursday at their Santa Clara practice facility.
