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SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers are likely be play without right tackle Anthony Davis, cornerback Tramaine Brock and backup tight end Vance McDonald again this week. None of those players participated in Friday’s practice.
Time is running out for Davis to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol, making his available doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. Davis has already missed two games with the concussion. He told reporters on Thursday that he is still experiencing symptoms from the concussion he sustained Nov. 16 against the New York Giants.
McDonald (back) and Brock (hamstring) were not on the field at the start of practice Friday, either. Garrett Celek and Asante Cleveland are in line to be the backups behind starting tight end Vernon Davis. Brock has appeared in just three games this season due to toe and hamstring injuries.
Meanwhile, All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman got in a workout before the 49ers hit the practice field on Friday. It appears unlikely Bowman will play this season. The 49ers must decide to place Bowman on the 53-man roster by Tuesday in order for him to remain eligible to play this season.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said on Thursday that no decision has been made.
“But, obviously, we have four games left,” Fangio said. “One a couple of days away, and he hasn’t practiced yet. So that’s three games left for him. I doubt he would be able to play next week, but only if he started practicing off of two, three days of practice. The games are running out. I don’t think he’s given up, nor has anybody else. But the time and schedule, obviously, is drying up.”
Bowman continues to undergo his rehabilitation work in hopes of coming back from a severe knee injury he sustained in the NFC Championship game. He has experienced no known setbacks.
“I think everything’s fine as far as rehab goes,” Fangio said. “I just think it’s 10 months out from the operation and it was a serious operation. I don’t think he’s had any setbacks, as far as I know. I don’t think it’s anything major.”
