Things are starting to trend towards rookie quarterback Trey Lance making his first NFL start. Jimmy Garoppolo missed his second consecutive practice after suffering a calf injury during Week 4. That makes it unlikely the veteran starter will be healthy enough to lead the offense against the Cardinals.
Tight end George Kittle also missed his second consecutive practice. He is dealing with the same calf injury that sidelined him for most of last week. However, he still played this past weekend against the Seattle Seahawks.
If Lance does start, he will probably have left tackle Trent Williams helping keep defenders at bay. The veteran offensive lineman returned to practice after missing Wednesday's session.
Another veteran who may be on track to playing is cornerback Josh Norman. He missed Week 4 due to a lung contusion. Norman shed his blue no-contact jersey during today's practice.
Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Cardinals, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
DL Arik Armstead (not injury related - resting player), DL Samson Ebukam (hamstring), QB Jimmy Garoppolo (calf), DL D.J. Jones (knee), TE George Kittle (calf), CB K'Waun Williams (calf)
Limited Participation in Practice
DT Javon Kinlaw (knee), RB Elijah Mitchell (shoulder), CB Josh Norman (chest)
Full Participation in Practice
C Alex Mack (not injury related - resting player), T Trent Williams (shoulder)
Arizona Cardinals Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
RB Chase Edmonds (shoulder), CB Byron Murphy (ribs), T Justin Murray (back)
Limited Participation in Practice
T Kelvin Beachum (ribs), RB Eno Benjamin (hamstring), CB Antonio Hamilton (ankle), G Justin Pugh (hip), TE Maxx Williams (shoulder), CB Marco Wilson (ribs)
Full Participation in Practice
LB Dennis Gardeck (hand)
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