Some good news for the 49ers: Running back Elijah Mitchell returned to practice after being sidelined for two games due to a knee injury. Jordan Mason has served as Christian McCaffrey's backup in Mitchell's absence.
Both Mitchell and guard Aaron Banks were limited. Banks is recovering from a mild shoulder strain.
"The two of them practiced today, Banks and Elijah," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on KNBR just after the practice participation report was released. "So they got through practice, which is a good sign."
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw missed Thursday's practice due to a hamstring injury.
"Dre couldn't go today, so hopefully, he'll feel better tomorrow," Shanahan said.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson remains sidelined from practices due to a bruised right rotator cuff. It's looking more likely that the 49ers defense faces quarterback P.J. Walker on Sunday.
When questioned about preparing for the Browns amidst their quarterback uncertainty, Shanahan said, "We've got to be ready for all of them. We know they like to run the ball. We know their quarterbacks can make plays. And we'll be ready for all three, though."
Update: Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports that Watson will not play on Sunday.
Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Browns, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
LB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring)
Limited Participation in Practice
G Aaron Banks (shoulder), RB Elijah Mitchell (knee)
Cleveland Browns Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
G Joel Bitonio (knee), TE David Njoku (hand, face), WR Cedric Tillman (hip), QB Deshaun Watson (right shoulder)
Limited Participation in Practice
DE Myles Garrett (foot), C Ethan Pocic (chest, knee, foot)
Full Participation in Practice
RB Jerome Ford (knee)
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why the 49ers should consider a reunion with Dre Greenlaw
Sometimes the smartest "free-agent splash" isn't a splash at all—it's going back to what already worked. Going back to a productive familiar face. And for the San Francisco 49ers, a Dre Greenlaw reunion checks just about every box: scheme fit, locker-room fit, and a cost that... -
5 things for 49ers fans to know about Dre Greenlaw's 2025 season with the Broncos
49ers fans are obviously extremely familiar with recently re-signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw, which makes the type of lengthy introduction pieces that 49ers Webzone has been giving to new players unnecessary. But for any 49ers fans who didn't pay much attention to Greenlaw in... -
49ers officially announce reuniting with Dre Greenlaw on one-year deal
The San Francisco 49ers have officially announced the previously reported return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, signing him to a one-year deal reportedly worth $7.5 million. Done deal ✍? pic.twitter.com/TlRD6cj5Cz— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 13, 2026 The... -
49ers Reunite Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw — Why the Move Is Bigger Than It Looks
The San Francisco 49ers didn't just add a linebacker this week — they brought back the heartbeat of their defense. The reunion with Dre Greenlaw may look like a simple one-year move on paper, but anyone who has watched the 49ers over the past few seasons understands exactly...