SANTA CLARA — If the 49ers indeed win Sunday to clinch the NFC West for a second straight season, they could be doing so without several would-be starters who’ve missed practice this week.
Joining the injury list today was left guard Aaron Banks, who was in the weight room working out as practice began with an injury that will be revealed later. A hyperextended toe kept Banks out the first two games of their current five-game win streak.
The 49ers (10-3) currently sit atop the NFC playoff standings and holding a four-game lead in the division. They will fly out after Saturday morning’s walk-through practice to take on the last-place Cardinals (3-10).
Also not practicing were defensive tackles Arik Armstead (foot, knee) and Javon Hargrave (hamstring), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hip, ankle), cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin), tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle), outside linebacker Oren Burks (knee) and running back Elijah Mitchell (knee).
Hargrave was seen doing agility work on a side field, and Ward did individual running drills.
Returning to practice were left tackle Trent Williams (rested Wednesday), right guard Spencer Burford (knee) and cornerback Ambry Thomas, who was excused Wednesday for a personal matter. Also, cornerback Jason Verrett’s comeback was back on track as he participated for a second straight day on the practice squad.
While Wednesday’s workout was prescribed as a half-speed session, Thursday’s also did not involve shoulder pads.
JUSZCZYK REPEATS AS FINALIST
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk, for the fourth straight year, is among eight finalists for the NFL’s Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
The 49ers fullback (and emergency holder/returner) is in his seventh season with the 49ers and 11th in the NFL. He is heading for his eighth straight Pro Bowl selection. No 49ers player has won the Rooney Award since its 2014 inception, although their franchise rushing king, Frank Gore, did win it with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016
This year’s other finalists: defensive end Maxx Crosby (Raiders), linebacker Khalil Mack (Chargers), linebacker C.J. Mosley (Jets), guard Kevin Zeitler (Ravens), safety Budda Baker (Cardinals), quarterback Dak Prescott (Cowboys) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (Seahawks)
The winner is voted upon by current NFL players. Each team had a nominee and then finalists were chosen by NFL alumni Warrick Dunn, Larry Fitzgerald, Curtis Martin and Leonard Wheeler.
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