San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead returned to practice on Friday. He has not played since Week 4 due to foot and ankle injuries. Jordan Schultz of The Score was the first to return Armstead's return to the practice field.
Don't expect Armstead to be suited up for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, though. Schultz notes that the 49ers have ruled out the veteran defender for this weekend's game. However, his return to practice means that his return to the football field could be soon.
#49ers DL Arik Armstead is OUT Sunday vs the #Saints, a source tells @theScore.
I'm also told Armstead will begin practicing today. Great news for San Francisco, getting their star defensive lineman back soon.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 25, 2022
Arik Armstead is on hand for practice today. He's unlikely to play Sunday, but it's a step in the right direction
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) November 25, 2022
Update: The 49ers listed Armstead as "doubtful" and haven't completely ruled him out just yet, as Schultz reported.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was limited on Wednesday and Thursday due to a hamstring injury, was in uniform and seen working on a side field at the start of practice. Reporters are only allowed to observe until team drills begin, so we won't learn his status until head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks after practice.
Deebo Samuel (hamstring) is working out on a side field as practice begins. He's been limited in the previous two sessions.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) November 25, 2022
The 49ers kicked off their third and final practice of the week today at 12:18 p.m. PT. Sunday will be Armstead's eighth missed game this season and seventh straight due to injuries. He recorded five tackles and a tackle for a loss through his three games appearances in 2022.
Armstead is in his eighth NFL season. The 49ers made the former Oregon Duck the No. 17 overall pick in 2015.
Note: This article was updated once Friday's practice started.