****Update**** Justin Smith and Clark Haggans missed Wednesday's practice. Full participation reports below.
Jim Harbaugh hinted Tuesday that Justin Smith likely would take part in practice this week. But as Wednesday's session began, Smith (arm) was merely an observer as the rest of the defensive linemen went through individual drills.
Smith left Sunday's game in the third quarter and did not return. An MRI taken Monday determined that he would not be out an extensive period, although Sunday's rematch with the Seahawks is in doubt. If Smith couldn't play, Ricky Jean Francois would make his first second start of the season. Smith has a consecutive starts streak that dates to his rookie season in 2001.
Meanwhile, a number of players were in black jerseys, meaning they likely will be listed as limited practice participants when the injury report comes out later this afternoon. They are: OLB Ahmad Brooks, CB Tarell Brown, LB Tavares Gooden, WR Mario Manningham, FB Bruce Miller and OLB Aldon Smith. In addition, OLB Clark Haggans (shoulder) was not practicing as the session began.
It's little wonder there are so many defensive players ailing this week. The Patriots ran 92 plays (vs. 65 by the 49ers offense) on Sunday. Jim Harbaugh today said he would cut back on both the physical nature of practice and the duration this week as the team prepares for what promises to be another physical game in Seattle.
49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice
LB Clark Haggans (shoulder), DT Justin Smith (elbow)
Limited Participation in Practice
LB Ahmad Brooks (shoulder), CB Tarell Brown (shoulder), LB Tavares Gooden (ribs), WR Mario Manningham (shoulder), RB Bruce Miller (shoulder), LB Aldon Smith (shoulder), DT Will Tukuafu (concussion)
Full Participation in Practice
K David Akers (pelvis), G Alex Boone (knee), LB Navorro Bowman (shoulder), RB Frank Gore (wrist), G Mike Iupati (shoulder), CB Carlos Rogers (knee), LB Patrick Willis (shoulder)
Seahawks
Did Not Participate In Practice
DT Alan Branch (ankle), DE Jason Jones (knee), WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Walter Thurmond (hamstring), CB Marcus Trufant (hamstring), RB Leon Washington (illness)
Limited Participation in Practice
RB Marshawn Lynch (back)
-- Matt Barrows
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