Prior to the start of the 2015 season, Davis had retired due to health concerns. He had said that he was going to take a year off due to concussion issues and even guaranteed that he would return.
Davis has had no problem being honest with fans on social media so there is no reason to doubt that he intends to return. If he does, the 49ers would retain his rights.
The following is an excerpt regarding Davis from Maiocco's article, which focuses on addressing the offensive line durging the offseason.
Davis has yet to file for reinstatement off the NFL's reserve/retired list. There is no timetable for his return, according to a source close to Davis. And even when/if it does happen, it's difficult to believe the 49ers' offseason plan will be altered in the least. The 49ers cannot assume Davis will re-emerge as the same player they had in his prime.
Maiocco also brings up that it is unknown how Davis would fit into new head coach Chip Kelly's zone scheme.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers injury update: John Lynch doesn't rule out Fred Warner's playoff return
The San Francisco 49ers aren't ruling out the possibility that star linebacker Fred Warner could return this postseason. Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6, and early expectations were that he wouldn't play again until next year. Now, that timeline... -
Sources say 49ers LB Fred Warner could return for late postseason run
According to sources familiar with the situation, San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner has a chance to make it back for the postseason if the team makes it to the NFC Championship Game, or more likely, the Super Bowl. On Saturday, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo,... -
49ers injury updates: Kittle 'highly unlikely' vs. Bears; Pearsall expected to return
The San Francisco 49ers held out hope that tight end George Kittle would recover in time for Sunday night's Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Kittle suffered an ankle injury against the Indianapolis Colts and did not participate in practice this week. He planned to... -
49ers LB Fred Warner eyes playoff return: "I've got a chance"
Fred Warner isn't ruling out a postseason return. The San Francisco 49ers linebacker suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6—an injury initially believed to be season-ending. However, recent reports indicate that if the 49ers advance deep into the playoffs,...