Vance McDonald

Vance McDonald a Limited Participant in Thursday's Practice for 49ers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Vance McDonald returned to practice on Thursday for the San Francisco 49ers. While only a limited participant, McDonald’s return to the practice field is a good sign and an indication that he might be able to play come Sunday.

Vance McDonald practiced for the first time since coming out of last week’s awful game against the Seattle Seahawks. A hip injury sustained in the first half was the culprit, removing one of Blaine Gabbert‘s favorite targets so far this season. While this says more about the state of the San Francisco 49ers receiving corps than it says about McDonald, the 49ers could definitely use the return of their top tight end.

To make things worse for the 49ers at tight end, McDonald’s backup, Garrett Celek, also only participated in limited fashion. He, too, sustained an injury against the Seahawks. Celek hurt his back in the second half.

With the release of converted tight end Bruce Miller after he was charged with assault, the 49ers have only one other tight end on the roster: second year Blake Bell. While Bell has potential, the former collegiate quarterback is still quite raw, especially for the NFL level.

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The 49ers hope to have McDonald and Celek both back for Sunday. It is still too early to tell, but there is definitely a chance McDonald will be back after his participation Thursday.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

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Vance McDonald

San Francisco 49ers

National Football League