Samuel and Kittle return to practice
SANTA eLARA >> A pair of key injured players returned to the field amid smoky skies in the team’s first practice at its Santa Clara home since its 2- 0, injury-laden road trip against the New York teams.
Receiver Deebo Samuel participated in his first practice of the season, while tight end George Kittle also made it back to practice after missing two games. SAMUhL TO PRAeTIeh >> Wide receiver Samuel’s surgically repaired left foot looked fine in his first practice since Jan. 31, three days before Super Bowl LIV. He spent the first three games on injured reserve and is eligible to play as early as Sunday night against the Eagles.
“We just need to see him go through three days, what type of shape he’s in, and if he can protect himself, he’ll be out there,” coach Kyle Shanahan said.
The 49ers have up to three weeks to evaluate Samuel in practice and activate him off IR. After a banner rookie season, Samuel figures to immediately slide into the starting lineup. Kendrick Bourne has started all three games and Brandon Aiyuk the past two.
“After the catch, he can also run. He’s a hard tackle, too. His style of play is phenomenal. Deebo is just an outstanding talent,” safety Jimmie Ward said of Samuel. tITTLh iULL nO, MOSThRT OUT >> Kittle ( knee) was a full participant at practice, after being limited in last week’s sessions in West Virginia before missing his second straight game. Also full-go were running back Jerick McKinnon (ribs) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring).
Running back Raheem Mostert’s knee sprain continued to keep him out of practice, as was the case last week. He did not play against the Giants.
Also not practicing were cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley (concussion) and K’Waun Williams (hip), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quadriceps), defensive end Dee Ford (back) and tight end Jordan Reed (knee). The latter two are expected to go on injured reserve, which is where they placed linebacker Mark Nzeocha (quadriceps).
Ford will have missed at least a five-game stretch after appearing in the opener. Neck and back issues flared up two weeks ago.