Banks joins list of injured starters
SANTA CLARA >> If the 49ers win Sunday to clinch the NFC West for a second straight season, they could be doing so without several would-be starters who've missed practice this week.
Joining the injury list today was left guard Aaron Banks with a hip issue. Banks worked out in the weight room as practice began. A hyperextended toe kept Banks out the first two games of their current fivegame win streak.
The 49ers (10-3) currently sit atop the NFC playoff standings and hold a fourgame lead in the division. They will fly out after Saturday morning's walk-through practice to take on the lastplace Cardinals (3-10).
Also not practicing were defensive tackles Arik Armstead (foot, knee) and Javon Hargrave (hamstring), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hip, ankle), cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin), tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle), outside linebacker Oren Burks (knee) and running back Elijah Mitchell (knee).
Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said he anticipates that Greenlaw will play Sunday, and, otherwise, Demetrius FlanniganFowles would be in line to see more action.
Hargrave was seen doing agility work on a side field, and Ward did individual running drills.
Returning to practice were left tackle Trent Williams (rested Wednesday), right guard Spencer Burford (knee) and cornerback Ambry Thomas, who was excused Wednesday for a personal matter. Also, cornerback Jason Verrett's comeback was back on track as he participated for a second straight day on the practice squad.
While Wednesday's workout was prescribed as a halfspeed session, Thursday's also did not involve shoulder pads. guy.”
Mullens indeed established himself as a wellliked 49er during his tenure from 2017-2020; he is slated to start Saturday's game for the Minnesota Vikings at the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I shot him a text, he called me right away, and it was awesome,” Purdy said. “(Mullens) was just telling me what he went through, what he felt right after, how long it took until he got back to normal, and what to expect. He was awesome, and I always remember that conversation. Honestly, the things I've been through have been to a `T' what he said. It was great advice from him.”
Mullens apparently told Purdy that his arm wouldn't feel 100 percent recovered until midseason, and Purdy confirmed that switch when he returned from the Week 9 bye to snap a three-game losing streak.
In February, Mullens politely declined an interview request regarding Purdy's road to recovery but wished him well, stating: “The UCL repair internal brace surgery allowed me to get back on the field faster than Tommy John surgery. I couldn't afford to miss a whole year with Tommy John so I'm thankful for the internal brace.”