The San Francisco 49ers still have major concerns on the defensive side of the ball after Thursday's practice ahead of their Christmas Day game with the Baltimore Ravens.

Neither of their starting defensive tackles, Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave, practiced after they each missed last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Their continued absence potentially presents the 49ers with a significant issue for one of their biggest games of the season, but there was some positive news for San Francisco in Thursday's injury report.

49ers injury report

Injury report observations

Hargrave was seen working on a side field during practice, which indicates he is closer to returning than Armstead.

The 49ers would ideally like at least one of the top two defensive tackles to return, given San Francisco was gashed for 234 yards on the ground by the Cardinals without them. Javon Kinlaw and Kevin Givens would likely start again if both Hargrave and Armstead are out, though the 49ers won't be able to rely on Kalia Davis as part of the rotation after he was placed on injured reserve. San Francisco added Taylor Stallworth to its practice squad on Thursday.

There is better news on Deommodore Lenoir, the versatile and increasingly crucial corner who practiced in full, indicating his rib injury won't keep him out. Right guard Spencer Burford has missed the last two games with a knee issue but was back in full practice. Burford, however, may well have lost his starting role to veteran Jon Feliciano.

Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa joined Trent Williams in having a veteran's rest day. Bosa has recently dealt with a toe issue and had a lineman thrown into the back of his leg last Sunday, so some extra rest is probably a wise move. Barring a setback, it doesn't appear that fellow defensive end Clelin Ferrell's ankle issue will prevent him from playing on Christmas.

Jauan Jennings remains in the concussion protocol. Rookie Ronnie Bell or veteran Chris Conley could step up if the 49ers' third-down specialist and arguably their best blocking receiver does not pass through it by Christmas. The 49ers' lone option on the practice squad who can be elevated is Tay Martin. Veteran Willie Snead IV has already reached the limit of three elevations.

Second-string running back Elijah Mitchell was working on a side field but right now appears poised to miss a third straight game with what was described as "knee soreness" after the Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Similarly there is no sign of progress in Oren Burks' knee tendinitis, meaning another start at SAM linebacker for Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles looks likely. Third-string tight end Ross Dwelley's ankle sprain continues to keep him on the sidelines.

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A fair criticism.