Offensive lineman Anthony Davis, who returned after a one-year absence for the start of training camp in July, did not attend practice on Saturday. The 49ers listed the reason as “not injury related.”
But sources close to Davis and the 49ers tell CSNBayArea.com that Davis is contemplating retirement, as the 49ers get set for their season opener on Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams. The Mercury News, citing a source, first reported that Davis is considering retiring.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus, who represents Davis told CSNBayArea.com he had no comment on Davis' status at this time.
The 49ers list Davis as questionable for Monday's game. Andrew Tiller, who was the starter at right guard until Davis supplanted him in the starting lineup two weeks ago, would likely regain his starting job if Davis is unavailable.
Davis, 26, moved to right guard from right tackle, where he started every game in which he appeared during his first five NFL seasons. Coach Chip Kelly said on Friday that Davis would start at right guard while also serving as the team’s backup at both tackle positions.
Davis did not play in the NFL last season, saying he was taking off some time to let his mind and body heal. He was reinstated off the NFL reserve/retired list for the start of training camp.
[RELATED: Inside the mind of Anthony Davis: Part 3 -- Why I returned to the NFL]
Davis opened camp in competition with Trent Brown for the starting job at right tackle. But when Brown continued to excel, the decision was made to move Davis to guard.
"It’s been fun to watch and there’s only going to be continued improvement throughout the year, especially with AD and Trent being new together on the right side," Kelly said on Friday. "It’s just going to keep getting better from here on out.”
Meanwhile, cornerback Chris Davis is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. Davis won the role of the 49ers’ nickel back during training camp, which he validated with his play in the team’s first three exhibition games.
If Chris Davis is unable to play, the 49ers could move right cornerback Jimmie Ward inside on passing downs with Rashard Robinson, Keith Reaser or Dontae Johnson entering the game to play on the outside.
Ward was the 49ers’ primary nickel back in his first two NFL seasons before moving to cornerback this offseason.
Defensive linemen Arik Armstead (shoulder), Quinton Dial (knee) and Glenn Dorsey (knee), linebacker Nick Bellore (knee), and cornerback Keith Reaser all participated in limited practice on Saturday, the club reported.
49ers injury report
Doubtful
CB Chris Davis (hamstring)
Questionable
DL Arik Armstead (shoulder)
LB Nick Bellore (knee)
OL Anthony Davis (not injury related)
DL Quinton Dial (knee)
DL Glenn Dorsey (knee)
CB Keith Reaser (ankle)
Rams injury report
Out
WR Pharoh Cooper (shoulder)
CB E.J. Gaines (thigh)
WR Nelson Spruce (knee)
Questionable
LB Bryce Hager (concussion)
T Rob Havenstein (foot)
