SANTA CLARA -- Nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga returned to the 49ers' practice field Wednesday, but left guard Mike Iupati was an onlooker during the early portion of 49ers practice.Sopoaga was not seen at the 49ers' practice facility all last week after being diagnosed with a staph infection. He did not play in the 49ers' 48-3 victory Sunday over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Iupati, meanwhile, was not taking part in any portion of practice Wednesday. He had a sleeve on his left knee.
Iupati appeared on the 49ers' injury reports the past two weeks with a neck injury. He took part in full practices during that time and has started each of the 49ers' five games.Cornerback Shawntae Spencer, who did not play Sunday due to a toe injury, was back at practice. Spencer might return to his role as the No. 3 cornerback Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Rookie Chris Culliver, who replaced Spencer against Tampa Bay, appeared to be working with the 49ers' scout team.
Receiver Braylon Edwards (knee), fullback Moran Norris (fibula) and cornerback Tramaine Brock (hand) were not on the practice field.
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