San Francisco 49ers fans got some encouraging news out of Wednesday's practice. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who is rehabbing a Jones fracture suffered in June, was seen on a side field sprinting hard while wearing cleats during the early portion of practice.
Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee described Samuel as looking "close to 100 percent" in those runs.
Added Biderman: "Looks like he was moving well."
WR Deebo Samuel spent the early portion of practice in cleats doing wind sprints close to 100 percent. Looks like he was moving well. Status for Week 1 is still TBD on his broken foot. #49ers
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 26, 2020
"We're still hoping he can get back for Week 1," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Tuesday. "... I don't expect him back this week. We're still hoping on Week 1, but not sure."
While the 49ers have been cautiously optimistic about Samuel's recovery timeframe, the receiver has repeatedly vowed to be ready for the team's opener on September 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.
"He had his most intense workout thus far with change-of-direction exercises, etc.," added Matt Barrows of The Athletic.
Intriguing sight in today's practice: Deebo Samuel (foot) sprinting -- hard -- on a side field. He had his most intense workout thus far with change-of-direction exercises, etc. He's pushing to be ready on Sept. 13.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 26, 2020
The 49ers made Samuel a second-round draft pick out of South Carolina last year, and he hauled in 57 regular-season catches for 802 yards with three receiving touchdowns as a rookie. Samuel showed off his versatility with 14 rushing attempts for 159 yards with three more scores.
