Samuel remains angered by words of Rams tackle
Does Aaron Donald know who Deebo Samuel is now?
Samuel, the 49ers’ Pro Bowl wide receiver, said Thursday that he isn’t sure because he has yet to meet the Rams’ All-Pro defensive tackle he felt disrespected by last season.
“I don’t know the guy,” Samuel said. “Obviously he doesn’t know who I am, which he should.”
The background on this before the 49ers meet the Rams on Sunday: In 2020, after the 49ers’ 24-16 win over the Rams at Levi’s Stadium, Donald was asked about Samuel after his six-catch, 66-yard, one-touchdown performance. “Who?” Donald asked. “Deebo Samuel,” the reporter repeated.
“Who’s that?” Donald said. Samuel has since taken pains to make sure Donald doesn’t remain in the dark: Samuel has had 16 catches, 266 total yards and two touchdowns in the 49ers’ past two games against Los Angeles, both victories.
“I think Deebo is different when he plays the Rams because I think there is a little bit of a disrespect there,” tight end George Kittle said. “I think Deebo is a hell of a football player and people should know who he is and what his name is.
“I don’t know if he tries to be a little bit extra in these game days against the Rams. But you can definitely feel his intensity. … I know he’s going to bring it and do everything in his ability to win this game. And I’m looking forward to seeing a spicy Deebo.”
Garoppolo's practice: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (right thumb) threw short passes with what appeared to be his typical velocity for the second straight practice, with one exception — Garoppolo threw one pass that traveled about 40 yards during the practice window open to the media.
Garoppolo is attempting to play Sunday with a torn ulnar collateral ligament and chipped bone in his thumb.
“He’s a tough guy and it is cool to see a guy try to work through pain,” offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said. “But he’s also trying to be smart and he knows he has to be responsible to the football team because we’ve all worked, all of his teammates have worked in blood, sweat, and tears to get to this point.
“We’re in Game 17 with an opportunity to extend our season and so he doesn’t take that lightly. So that’s been cool. And we trust that if he’s able to give it a go, it’s because he knows he can hold up his end of the bargain for his teammates and all of the Niners nation.”
Injury report: Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams missed his second straight practice with a sprained elbow, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that Williams is expected to play against the Rams. … Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) did not practice and is not expected to play Sunday. … Linebacker Marcell Harris (Achilles) was added to the injury report and was limited. … Running back Elijah Mitchell (knee), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (groin), defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (calf ) and safeties Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder) and Talanoa Hufanga (knee) were limited.