NFL Player News

Arnold (concussion) didn't practice Thursday.

Arnold suffered a concussion Week 10 against Washington and didn't play this past Sunday against Philadelphia. He's missed the first two practices this week, so there's reason to be pessimistic about his chance of suiting up Sunday against the Giants. Rock Ya-Sin started at cornerback in Arnold's stead against the Eagles and will likely do so again Week 12 if Arnold remains out.

Wharton (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

The defensive lineman played 86 percent of the defensive snaps last week against Atlanta, so the injury appears to be new. Wharton will have two more days to get on the practice field ahead of Monday's matchup with the 49ers. If he can't go, Bobby Brown might be next man up on the defensive line.

Joseph (knee) didn't practice Thursday.

Joseph hurt his knee against Kansas City in Week 6 and hasn't practiced since. The Lions have thus far decided against putting the talented safety on IR, but it's not clear how much longer he'll be out. Joseph would almost certainly need to practice in some capacity Friday to have any chance of playing Sunday against the Giants.

Wallace (shoulder) did not participate in practice Thursday.

The inside linebacker missed last week's win over the Falcons with the injury as well. Wallace will have two more practice days to get on the field ahead of Monday's matchup with the 49ers. Claudin Cherelus, Bam Martin-Scott and Maema Njongmeta are Carolina's backup inside linebackers.

Smith (concussion) was a limited participant at practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Smith sustained a concussion in the team's 21-19 win over the Seahawks in Week 11, and he was able to return to practice after missing Wednesday's session. The wide receiver will have to clear concussion protocol in order to play Sunday versus the Buccaneers, and Thursday's participation was a step in the right direction.

Branch (toe) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Branch was deemed limited in Wednesday's walkthrough due to a toe issue, but he was able to take part in practice in limited fashion Thursday. Whether or not he carries an injury designation into the weekend could depend on his practice status Friday. Branch played all but one defensive snap against Philadelphia this past Sunday.

Pineiro (hamstring) did not participate in practice Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

The kicker was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain after suffering the injury during last Sunday's win over Arizona. The 49ers will likely need to sign another kicker if Pineiro can't go Monday against Carolina. Pineiro will have two more opportunities to practice before the 49ers formulate their final injury report ahead of the contest.

Landman (back) logged a limited practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Landman has now opened the week with back-to-back limited sessions as he nurses a back injury. The linebacker will have one more chance to log a full practice before the team squares off with Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Bethune (ankle) did not participate at practice Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Bethune sustained a right high-ankle sprain in the team's 41-22 victory over Arizona in Week 11, so his inability to practice to open the week comes as no surprise. The linebacker is fighting an uphill battle to play in Week 12, and he'll have two more chances to return to practice prior to Monday night's matchup with Carolina.

Greenard (shoulder) participated in practice in limited fashion Thursday.

Greenard hurt his shoulder in Week 10 against Baltimore and didn't play this past Sunday versus Chicago. He began this week of practice as a non-participant but was able to get back on the field as a limited participant Thursday. Greenard's chances of returning to action Sunday against Green Bay could hinge on his participation level in the final practice of the week Friday.