Running back Frank Gore expects to be available when the 49ers return to action Oct. 25 against the Texans. He took part today in individual and group work, and then sat out the 11-on-11 work during today’s practice.
The 49ers had one final practice today before scattering throughout the country. Coach Mike Singletary gave the team four days off for the bye week. Gore will remain in the area to receive daily treatment on his bum right ankle, which has kept him out the past two games.
Quarterback Shaun Hill was feeling “a little sore” after taking a beating in the 49ers’ loss Sunday to the Falcons. Therefore, Alex Smith handled the team drills today. It afforded Smith a rare opportunity to work on some plays from the 49ers’ playbook – something he hasn’t done since the end of training camp.
Tackle Adam Snyder (left thigh contusion), defensive end Ray McDonald (left ankle), cornerback Tarell Brown (groin), safety Michael Lewis (concussion), linebacker Jeff Ulbrich (concussion) and safety Reggie Smith (groin) did not see work during practice. It is not known which of those players will be available to play the week after the bye.
Linebacker Patrick Willis (left shoulder contusion) and defensive back Marcus Hudson (right shoulder contusion) practiced but wore black jerseys to signify that they were off-limits to any contact.
Rookie running back Glen Coffee, who briefly left Sunday’s game with an ankle, took part in full practice. Also, linebacker Marques Harris, who saw limited work last week with a hamstring strain and was inactive for the Falcons games, should be available for the game against the Texans.
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Certainly, the biggest concern is Ulbrich, a 10-year pro who sat out last week’s game with a concussion. He and Lewis were scheduled for further tests today.
Singletary said Lewis’ concussion symptoms cleared quickly on Sunday. He has experienced three concussions since mid-August, so the 49ers are taking no chances, Singletary said.
“(Lewis) was ready to go; he could’ve played,” Singletary said. “Twenty years ago he would’ve been smelling smelling salts and been back in the game. But that wasn’t the case.”
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