49ers' Reuben Foster making progress in recovery from ankle sprain

SANTA CLARA - There was a Reuben Foster sighting at 49ers practice on Wednesday.

The team's first-round pick was jogging, stretching and high-kicking alongside his teammates as they went through the warmup session that begins each practice. When that was over and players split into their position groups, Foster, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain, walked off by himself to rehabilitate on a side field.

Kyle Shanahan said there was little chance the inside linebacker would play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

Foster suffered the injury during San Francisco's Sept. 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers, was in an orthopedic boot the following week, but did not need it last week. The last step before returning to practice will be running at full speed on a side field, which Foster has not been seen doing yet.

The three 49ers players who suffered concussions Thursday - linebacker Brock Coyle, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and safety Jaquiski Tartt - practiced in limited fashion Wednesday. They have been cleared for football activity but not contact.

The neck injury that Juszczyk suffered on a goal-line play does not appear to be an issue; he was not wearing a brace Wednesday as he was in the locker room after the game.

Meanwhile, running back Carlos Hyde still is dealing with the oblique injury that caused him to miss a portion of the first quarter of Sunday's game. Shanahan said Hyde likely would be limited in practice throughout the week. Hyde's 253 rushing yards rank third in the NFL through three games.

Familiar faces

The 49ers are unlikely to see ex-teammate Alex Boone on Sunday.

Boone started the Cardinals' recent game at left guard but suffered a pectoral injury late in the contest.

Still, there are plenty of other familiar faces. Boone's spot may be filled by Mike Iupati, who is recovering from a triceps injury. Safety Antoine Beathea, quarterback Blaine Gabbert, kicker Phil Dawson and punter Andy Lee also are on Arizona's roster.

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said he was familiar with Bethea from their time together on the Indianapolis Colts.

“Great leader, excellent communicator in our secondary and he's helped our young kids a bunch,” Arians said. “... We've had very, very few errors committed this year opposed to last year with some young guys back there. It's been a great addition.”