Inside: WR Deebo Samuel is cleared to play against Washington.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is cleared to play and cornerback K’Waun Williams might, too, in promising signs for a 49ers team that needs a win Sunday against Washington to stay in playoff contention.
Samuel missed Wednesday’s practice with a foot contusion, and after being limited Thursday, he was a full participant in Friday’s walk-through session. He’s missed six games this season for the last-place 49ers (5-7) because of foot and hamstring issues.
“He’s recovered well,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He wasn’t hurt because of his old injury (a June foot fracture). He’s good now.”
Williams, the 49ers’ slot cornerback, has missed the past three games with a high ankle sprain and is questionable.
Ruled out were reserve offensive linemen Tom Compton (concussion) and Hroniss Grasu ( knee), as well as defensive lineman Kevin Givens, who left the team this week to attend the birth of his child.
The defense is expected to miss defensive tackle D. J. Jones (ankle) and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley ( hamstring); both are doubtful and did not practice all week.
Kickoff is 1:25 p.m. at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., where the 49ers relocated last week because of Santa Clara County’s COVID-19 guidelines banning contact sports. The 49ers lost there Monday night to the Buffalo Bills 34-24 and are now 1-5 in home games. AIYUK- MULLENS CONNECTION >> Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk blushed at being dubbed Julio Jones’ little brother, a comparison Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Dez Bryant made Monday night on social media, complimenting the 49ers rookie by association with the Atlanta Falcons’ All-Pro.
“Appreciate it, Dez but I don’t know about that one yet,” Aiyuk said. “Julio is definitely one of the greatest receivers of all time. I’ll continue to work toward that but I appreciate it.”
Aiyuk spent extra time after practice this week working on what he calls “great chemistr y” with Nick Mullens. “We’re at a good spot and will continue to get better,” said Aiyuk, who leads the 49ers with 40 catches for 541 yards and four touchdown receptions.
MULLENS’ MARCHING ORDERS >> As Mullens prepares for his 15th career start, Shanahan outlined what he wants to see on Sunday from him:
“Do what you’re supposed to do, in terms of what play is called, read coverage, go to the right person. Don’t make stuff up. Be aggressive but do it within the play,” the coach said.
Shanahan said Mullens played “very well” in Monday night’s loss to the Bills, that he was very good at seeing the field and airing it out without hesitation. Mullens also made some off- schedule completions to Kendrick Bourne to earn Shanahan’s praise, but the coach cautioned against the quarterback forcing throws that could lead to turnovers, which have been his biggest detriment. VERRETT LAUDS ALEX SMITH >> Cornerback Jason Verrett could be a strong candidate for NFL comeback player of the year, if that award wasn’t likely already sewn up by Washington quarterback Alex Smith. Verrett respects and tips his hat to Smith’s award-worthy comeback from a lifethreatening leg injury and hopes to talk to him postgame to arrange a jersey swap.
As for on the field, Verrett will try to rebound from Monday’s tough outing and shut down Smith’s top target, Terry McLaurin. “He gets in and out of his breaks real quick, and the rhythm he’s picked up with Alex Smith has been good,” Verrett said. “Alex is a real rhythm QB, dink and dunk, take what you’re given.”
Verrett is a pending free agent and has not talked about re- signing with the 49ers, though he did say: “I’ve got a ton of respect for the organization for allowing me to come back, show what I can do and believing in me. It’s definitely a place I want to be, but we’ve got to see where things go when the season is over.”
WASHINGTON INJURIES >> Running back Antonio Gibson (toe) is out, so look for Washington’s carries to be split among J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber.
Left tackle Morgan Moses (groin) and right guard Brandon Scherff (calf) are questionable, as are offensive tackle David Sharpe ( knee) and defensive end Ryan Anderson (knee).
INJURED RESERVEWINDOWS >> 49ers linebacker Mark Nzeocha (quadriceps) could come off injured reserve if there is room on Sunday’s roster, or the 49ers can wait until next week to do so.
Shanahan said he assumed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and tight end George Kittle (foot) could have their threeweek practice windows activated next week to potentially come off injured reserve, but that it also could depend on the 49ers’ playoff outlook.