Max Unger returned to limited reps in Wednesday’s practice, increasing the chances we could see him on the field Sunday against the Raiders.
Unger has missed the past three games after hurting his foot on Monday Night Football against the Redskins. In his absence, Steven Schilling has been forced into action and has performed respectably, especially considering he’s never played center before.
However, Unger’s presence on the offensive line cannot be understated. He’s the unquestioned leader in that group, and has the veteran poise to keep things together when they look like they’re falling apart. It might be easy to scoff at the importance of Unger’s return against a winless opponent this weekend, but this is the NFL – anything can happen on any given day.
Also getting in a limited practice on Wednesday was James Carpenter, who has a back injury but should be in no danger of missing Week 9. In less encouraging news, Byron Maxwell did not practice at all. Tharold Simon needs to get his head back in the game and stop the costly penalties while Maxwell remains out.
Full injury report:
DNP: Maxwell, Zach Miller (ankle), Bobby Wagner (toe), Jordan Hill (ankle), Malcolm Smith (groin), Jeron Johnson (concussion) Marshawn Lynch (rest).
Limited: Carpenter, Unger
Full practice: Bryan Walters (concussion)
