SANTA CLARA –- Tight end Vance McDonald was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns due to his lack of progress through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
McDonald was not cleared to participate in any of the team’s practices this week, which means he will be unable to clear all the requirements before kickoff on Sunday.
Meanwhile, outside linebacker Aaron Lynch returned to limited practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for the game, the 49ers announced.
The 49ers could promote tight end Brian Leonhardt off the practice squad for Sunday’s game. Rookie Blake Bell is the only available tight end on the 49ers’ 53-man roster.
McDonald joins running back Carlos Hyde (foot) and linebacker Michael Wilhoite (ankle) as players who were ruled out on the day the 49ers are scheduled to leave for Cleveland.
Cornerback Tramaine Brock, who took in full practices Wednesday and Thursday, was limited on Friday due to a foot condition. He is listed as questionable, along with Lynch and wide receiver Torrey Smith (back/toe). Smith returned to limited practice on Friday after being held out of Thursday’s work.
“Torrey was a little sore yesterday, so we just went ahead and yanked (him from practice),” 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said Friday morning. “But he’ll be fine.”
Here are the official injury reports for both teams:
49ERS
Out
RB Carlos Hyde (foot)
TE Vance McDonald (concussion)
LB Michael Wilhoite (ankle)
Questionable
CB Tramaine Brock (foot)
LB Aaron Lynch (concussion)
WR Torrey Smith (back, toe)
Probable
DT Arik Armstead (shoulder)
WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring)
G Alex Boone (knee)
LB Navorro Bowman (shoulder, finger)
DT Quinton Dial (shoulder)
RB Kendall Gaskins (hamstring)
LB Eli Harold (shoulder)
C Marcus Martin (ankle)
T Erik Pears (knee)
DT Mike Purcell (shoulder)
T Joe Staley (knee)
S Jaquiski Tartt (ankle)
G Andrew Tiller (knee)
BROWNS
Out
CB Justin Gilbert (concussion)
CB Joe Haden (concussion)
WR Andrew Hawkins (concussion)
Questionable
TE Gary Barnidge (ankle)
WR Travis Benjamin (shoulder)
WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion)
WR Brian Hartline (hip)
WR Marlon Moore (ribs)
Probable
G Cameron Erving (ankle)
QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow)
