Dre Greenlaw and Logan Ryan lived up to the words of their head coach during the San Francisco 49ers' Wednesday practice ahead of Saturday's divisional round matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Linebacker Greenlaw (Achilles) and veteran safety Ryan (groin) each missed Tuesday's practice.
However, Kyle Shanahan said he expected both to return for the second session of the week and that is exactly what happened, putting the 49ers in an excellent position in terms of health going into their biggest game of the season so far as only player on the 53-man roster did not practice.
49ers Injury report
Injury report observations
Greenlaw had been dealing with ankle tendinitis and was kept out of the meaningless regular-season finale with the Los Angeles Rams as a result.
His return means the 49ers are set to have both their starting linebackers available to face Jordan Love, and Greenlaw and unanimous All-Pro Fred Warner figure to make it a lot tougher for the Packers quarterback to hit intermediate throwing windows. Love was four of five for 90 yards, averaging 18 yards per attempt, on intermediate throws in Green Bay's win over the Dallas Cowboys last week.
Asked about Greenlaw and his potential matchups with Green Bay's rookie tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said: "He's looking good. Greenlaw is just one of those warriors. He's going to be ready go at any time."
"We have to protect him from himself," Wilks added in reference to Greenlaw sitting out Tuesday's practice. "I have no reservations about the matchup with any tight end."
Ryan's return gives the 49ers more depth at safety behind starters Tashaun Gipson and rookie Ji'Ayir Brown, the latter of whom may be picked on by a Green Bay passing game that shredded the Cowboys on downfield shots.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead, meanwhile, looks almost certain to make his long-awaited return. After practicing in a limited capacity on Tuesday, Armstead was a full participant in the 49ers' latest session. He has not played since the Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles because of knee and foot issues.
Backup safety George Odum looks on course to be activated to the 53-man roster after taking another step towards return from the torn bicep he suffered in the Thanksgiving win over the Seattle Seahawks. The special teams standout practiced without a blue non-contact jersey.
If Odum is activated, then veteran wide receiver Chris Conley and backup offensive lineman Matt Pryor, who was released and re-signed last month, would be the lead candidates to be released to make room for him.
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