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SANTA CLARA – Rookie Bruce Ellington expects to be back in his role as the 49ers’ primary return man for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
Ellington, who missed three games with an ankle sprain, returned to full practice for the first time on Monday since sustaining the injury Nov. 9 at New Orleans.
“I sprained my ankle a couple times playing basketball,” Ellington said. “I wouldn’t say it’s 100 percent, but it can’t get worse. I can push through it. It feels good.”
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Ellington had a 7.0-yard average on 17 punt returns through nine games. He averaged 25.8 yards on 14 kickoff returns.
With Ellington out of action, Perrish Cox returned punts and Carlos Hyde handled kickoff returns. Cox lost a fumble in the 49ers’ 19-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thanksgiving.
“I probably could’ve played, but it wouldn’t have been to the point where I would’ve been effective.” Ellington said. “But this week, sitting those days out, rehabbing and stuff like that, I think it’s to where I can play and be effective this week.”
The 49ers worked out speedy free-agent return man Trindon Holliday last week but did not sign him.
