SANTA CLARA — The 49ers saw the return of several players at the start of their bonus Thursday practice, but with the week officially being a bye, there will be no official practice report. Arik Armstead, who has been sidelined since Week 14 with both foot and knee injuries, was seen in the early portion of practice open to the media. The interior defensive lineman likely took part in what was described as a spirited, highly competitive session, but it could have been in a limited fashion. Rookie safety Ji'Ayir Brown also was back in the mix after missing two games with a knee injury, but position mate Tashaun Gipson remained sidelined with a quadriceps injury. If Gipson is unable to make his way back from injury for the divisional round, the team could again look to veteran Logan Ryan to step in. One day after George Odum's practice window was opened Wednesday, the safety and special teams ace was seen wearing a blue non-contact jersey during practice. He was joined by Ambry Thomas during defensive back warm-ups. The Michigan product missed the regular-season finale due to needing surgery on his hand. Fred Warner was pleased to see the large group of his defensive counterparts...
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