49ers’ practices in Arizona begin
San Francisco opts to rest star receiver Samuel ahead of Monday night’s feature against Bills
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, out of precaution rather than an injury setback, did not practice with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday as the team debuted at its relocated headquarters in Glendale, Ariz.
Samuel was the 49ers’ offensive catalyst in Sunday’s win at Los Angeles, and, rather than test how his troublesome hamstring is faring, the 49ers opted to rest him and ensure his availability for Monday’s encore against the Buffalo Bills at State Farm Stadium.
“No setback. He’s still sore from the game,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Especially after traveling yesterday and being on a plane, we don’t want to get him out there with what’s happened to him this year, have him go full speed and risk anything with the hamstring.”
Samuel missed four games because of a hamstring he strained in an Oct. 25 win at New England. He returned with a career-high 11 catches for 133 yards in Sunday’s 23-20 upset over the Rams.
Also out of Thursday’s practice was cornerback K’Waun Williams
(ankle).
ADJUSTING TO LOCALE >> Linebacker Fred Warner commended the 49ers’ logistics staff — specifically Steve Risser and Michael Slap — for setting up operations “the exact same” as their Santa Clara facility. Staying in the same hotel makes things even more streamlined with rooms designated there for weight lifting and medical treatment.
Quarterback Nick Mullens noted this is just one more challenge in a sport based on overcoming adversity.
“This entire year has been kinda odd, kinda strange. There’s been a lot of things different from a regular season,” Warner said. “...Everybody has bought in and we all have the same goal, that’s why it’s not hard to get your mind laser focused on the task.”
JUSCZYZK NOMINATED >> Fullback Kyle Juszczyk is the 49ers’ nominee for the NFL’s Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which goes to a player exemplifying on-field leadership. Juszczyk also leads the Pro Bowl voting among NFC fullbacks; no other 49er leads in fan voting. Juszczyk is slated for free agency after this fourth season with the 49ers.
Left tackle Joe Staley was the 49ers’ nominee and a Rooney Award finalist the previous five seasons. Last year’s honor went to Washington’s Adrian Peterson.
MULLENS HONORS TAYLOR >> After finishing reporters’ questions, Mullens gave an unsolicited testimonial about cornerback and “silent leader” Jamar Taylor, who sustained a seasonending knee injury Sunday. Taylor was closing in with teammates on a tackle when he got hit by Rams running back Malcolm Brown, whose blind- side block might merit a fine if the league office deems it illegal upon further review.
“I hate that Jamar Taylor got hurt the way he did,” Mullens said. “I really only say this because he’s a silent guy, he did not talk a lot in the locker room. But I asked about his journey through when he first got here in camp. Eight years and he’s a guy who’s earned everything he’s gotten in this league. I’ve got a lot of respect for him.
“To see him do his job and fill in (for Williams) the way he did, those are the guys you respect in the locker room. With the type of guy he is, I know he’s going to battle back as strong as ever.”
GOULD WINS IT >> Kicker Robbie Gould became the first 49er this season to win a NFC Player of the Week honor. His third field goal Sunday not only won it for the 49ers, it moved him to 16th on the NFL’s all-time scoring list (1,713 points) past Nick Lowery. He needs nine points to reach No. 15 on that list and pass David Akers, who kicked for the 49ers from 2011-12.
COVID CLEARED >> All nine 49ers who began last week on the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list have now been removed from it, the last being tight end Daniel Helm, who then got released from their practice squad Thursday.