49ers starting center Eric Heitmann returned to practice on Friday after missing the last two days of work, and is probable for Sunday's game against Seattle. Heitmann injured his shoulder last week in the 49ers game against Arizona, left for a series or so, and then finished out the game.
Cornerback Donald Strickland missed his third straight day with a knee injury and is questionable for Sunday.
For Seattle,receiver Deion Branch was limited in practice all week and is listed as doubtful. Even though it looks like the Seahawks won't have their typical elite receiving group, head coach Mike Nolan said he would still feel better about having Strickland available on Sunday.
"They are going to use the personnel groups they always use and so we'll try to match them as best we can," said Nolan. "You always want your best players. Obviously, if Strickland's healthy, then I'd like him in there. It doesn't make it any less important, the fact that their nicked because he's one of our better players."
Seattle's starters at receiver on Sunday should be a pair of second-year receivers in Logan Payne and Courtney Taylor. Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace was also worked at receiver in practice this week, but it's a very inexperienced group going up a very veteran 49ers secondary.
Based on 2008 opening day starting lineups, the 49ers back end, comprised of Walt Harris, Mark Roman, Michael Lewis and Nate Clements, have more combined playing experience than any other NFL team.
Nolan announced the three captains for this weekend's game following Friday's final practice. Isaac Bruce will serve as the captain of the offense, Justin Smith will serve as captain of the defense, and Manny Lawson will serve as the special teams captain.
The team will have a walk-thru at the team's facility and then fly out on Saturday to Seattle.
