SANTA CLARA -– Tight end Vance McDonald, who sat out one game due to a concussion, received clearance to return to football activity on Thursday.
McDonald was a full participant in practice Thursday and is expected to return to the field Sunday when the 49ers face the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi’s Stadium.
Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, the 49ers’ top pass-rusher, was a limited participant in practice, but still appears to be on pace to play in Sunday’s game. McDonald and Lynch sustained concussions against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 6 and missed Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
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Wide receiver Torrey Smith did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday and his availability is in question for Sunday’s game due back spasms.
Here are the participation reports from both teams from their Thursday practices:
49ERS
Did not participate
G Alex Boone (knee)
WR Torrey Smith (back, toe)
LB Michael Wilhoite (ankle)
Limited participation
DT Quinton Dial (shoulder)
RB Kendall Gaskins (concussion)
LB Eli Harold (shoulder, hamstring)
LB Aaron Lynch (concussion)
C Marcus Martin (ankle)
T Erik Pears (knee)
T Joe Staley (knee)
S Jaquiski Tartt (ankle)
G Andrew Tiller (knee)
Full participation
DT Arik Armstead (shoulder)
WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring)
LB Navorro Bowman (shoulder, finger)
LB Ahmad Brooks (shoulder)
TE Vance McDonald (concussion)
DT Mike Purcell (shoulder)
S Eric Reid (shoulder)
S Jimmie Ward (elbow)
San Francisco 49ers
BENGALS
Out
QB Andy Dalton (right thumb)
Did not participate
LB Vontaze Burfict (knee)
TE Tyler Eifert (concussion)
T Jake Fisher (concussion)
S George Iloka (groin)
Limited participation
CB Leon Hall (back)
CB Adam Jones (foot)
CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee)
Full participation
C Russell Bodine (finger)
DE Michael Johnson (back)
T Andrew Whitworth (knee)