The San Francisco 49ers take on the Cleveland Browns this weekend at home. As the two sides gear up for Sunday's game, players on both squads nurse injuries and hope to get better before game time.
Running back Moran Norris (fibula) was the lone 49er out of practice on Wednesday. Meanwhile, cornerback Tramaine Brock (hand), wide receiver Michael Crabtree (foot), cornerback Chris Culliver (shoulder), wide receiver Braylon Edwards (knee) and center Jonathan Goodwin (concussion) were limited participants.
Edwards has been eyeing a return this week against his former team since he injured his knee in Week Two. Early signs this week show that Edwards is running routes and getting practice on the field, but he has decided to take his recovery cautiously. Edwards could sit out this week in favor of further healing if he believes that it will help ensure a 100% return later on this season.
Meanwhile, the Browns missed guard Shawn Lauvao (knee), wide receiver Mohamed Massoquoi (head), safety Raymond Ventrone (hamstring) and tight end Benjamin Watson (head) in Wednesday's practice. Kicker Phil Dawson (right thigh), linebacker Scott Fujita (head), cornerback Joe Haden (knee), running back Peyton Hillis (hamstring) and tackle Tony Pashos were limited.
Hillis has been taking first-team snaps all week and figures to start against the 49ers this weekend. He will have his work cut out for him: San Francisco owns the league's second-best run defense this year, conceding just 74.7 rushing yards per game to opponents.
Both sides could be missing big players on Sunday due to injuries. For the most part, though, these two sides should be mostly healthy by kickoff.