Cornerback Jimmy Williams will be able to play with a cast over his broken right thumb, but he won’t return punts until the injury heals.
“A lot of guys play with casts now and they do such a good job with it,” coach Dennis Erickson said. “We’ll know more about it as he practices with that cast and we see how effective he is.” Arnaz Battle will take over as the 49ers’ punt returner until Williams is hurt.