Two of the 49ers’ most notable names and a host of others are working back from injuries this week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan provided updates on the “Tolbert, Krueger and Brooks” show on Thursday.
Obviously the most substantial name is Deebo Samuel, who the 49ers are 4-8 without since drafting him in 2019 (including a loss to Washington when he was injured on the first snap).
Samuel was initially given the same 1-2 week return timeline as Fred Warner, who returned to practice in full this week and appears set to return on Sunday.
In Samuel’s case, there is no certainty. He was limited to side field work on Thursday, with Shanahan saying that he hopes he’ll practice on Friday. He had said on Wednesday that he was hoping for Samuel and Dee Ford to practice Thursday, but neither did.
“I think we’ll have a good idea, hopefully after tomorrow,” Shanahan said. “He’s doing all the stuff on the side, looking good so far. Hopefully can get into practice tomorrow. But yeah, won’t know until tomorrow at the earliest.”
As for the running back room, it appears it won’t be as dire as anticipated, but Elijah Mitchell (concussion, knee) is unlikely to play.
“Not looking real likely, but holding out hope,” Shanahan said when asked about Mitchell.
He said, however, that both JaMycal Hasty and Jeff Wilson Jr. — who was limited on Wednesday and mostly sidelined against the Seahawks with a knee flare-up — are healthy. Newly-signed practice squad running back Brian Hill will likely be activated if, as is likely to be the case, Mitchell can’t go.
Meanwhile, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow practiced on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday’s practice, as did wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Listen to the full interview below. You can listen to every KNBR interview on our podcast page at knbr.com/podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Catch Tolbert, Krueger & Brooks weekdays from 2 – 6 p.m. on KNBR 104.5 / 680 and streaming live on KNBR.com.
