The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field Thursday, but were once again without starting quarterback Brock Purdy.
According to media members on hand, Purdy (toe), Ricky Pearsall (knee), Kurtis Rourke (knee), and Jacob Cowing were on the side field jogging. That is the first time we’ve seen Cowing’s name pop up in more than a month. Perhaps Cowing is nearing the opening of his practice window.
Mac Jones had a big, bulky brace on his left leg. He did not throw to receivers during the media’s availability. Adrian Martinez and the position coach, Mick Lombardi, threw. This could be the 49ers playing cat-and-mouse games.
Remember, Brock Purdy didn’t do anything during the portion of the media-viewed practice leading up to Jacksonville. Later, Purdy admitted he was a full-go during practice, with no restrictions. General manager John Lynch spoke on the radio on Thursday and said the expectation was that Jones would play this Sunday.
Jones was reportedly jogging gingerly. It’s been a week since the 49ers last played. These few extra days might be the difference between Jones being 70, 85, or 90 percent. Either way, the mini-bye is beneficial for San Francisco.
Jauan Jennings was seen practicing, which is a positive development. Jennings is dealing with a rib, shoulder, and ankle injury. It’s always a good sign when a player gets upgraded throughout the week.
The same is true for rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins, who was seen at practice on Thursday after sitting out of Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury. Collins was also wearing a giant brace on his left leg.
Mykel Williams, CJ West, Kalia Davis, and Givens all joined Collins. That’s likely the defensive line for the next couple of weeks with Bryce Huff, Jordan Elliott, and Trevis Gipson. This is not a game where the Niners could have afforded to miss a player of Collins’s size.
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