SANTA CLARA -- Torrey Smith returned to limited practice on Friday and hopes to keep alive the third-longest consecutive-games played streak among active wide receivers.
Smith has appeared in 77 consecutive games entering Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi's Stadium. He appeared in all 16 games in each of his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before signing with the 49ers as a free agent.
Only Atlanta’s Eric Weems (115) and Cincinnati’s Brandon Tate (93) have appeared in more consecutive games. Weems and Tate are primarily special-teams players.
Smith missed practices on Wednesday and Thursday due to back spasms before returning to the practice field on Friday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Coach Jim Tomsula said he was “expecting good things” from Smith as he continues to receive therapy. The next step is to see how Smith responds on Saturday and Sunday after getting some practice time on Friday.
Guard Alex Boone (knee) and linebacker Michael Wilhoite (ankle) will not play. Marcus Martin is expected to start at left guard with Daniel Kilgore taking over at center. Gerald Hodges will make his second start in place of Wilhoite.
Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch is listed as questionable after missing one game with a concussion. He participated in limited work this week in practice.
Tight end Vance McDonald, who missed last week’s game with a concussion, has received full clearance to play on Sunday.
Quarterback AJ McCarron will start Sunday’s game for the Bengals in place of Andy Dalton, who is out with a fractured right thumb. Tight end Tyler Eifert will not play due to a concussion. Eifert has 48 receptions for 564 yards and a team-leading 12 touchdowns.
Here are the official injury reports for both teams:
49ERS
Out
G Alex Boone (knee)
LB Michael Wilhoite (ankle)
Questionable
LB Aaron Lynch (concussion)
WR Torrey Smith (back, toe)
Probable
DT Arik Armstead (shoulder)
WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring)
LB Navorro Bowman (shoulder, finger)
LB Ahmad Brooks (shoulder)
CB Marcus Cromartie (hip)
DT Quinton Dial (shoulder)
RB Kendall Gaskins (concussion)
LB Eli Harold (shoulder, hamstring)
C Marcus Martin (ankle)
TE Vance McDonald (concussion)
T Erik Pears (knee)
DT Mike Purcell (shoulder)
S Eric Reid (shoulder)
WR Jerome Simpson (finger)
T Joe Staley (knee)
S Jaquiski Tartt (ankle)
G Andrew Tiller (knee)
S Jimmie Ward (elbow)
BENGALS
Out
QB Andy Dalton (right thumb)
TE Tyler Eifert (concussion)
T Jake Fisher (concussion)
S George Iloka (groin)
Probable
LB Vontaze Burfict (knee)
C Russell Bodine (finger)
CB Leon Hall (back)
DE Michael Johnson (back)
CB Adam Jones (foot)
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee)
T Andrew Whitworth (knee)
