The biggest news from Thursday's practice was the return of Deebo Samuel. The wide receiver joined his teammates on the field for the first time since sustaining MCL and ankle sprains against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 11. He is expected to be ready for the playoffs, with a return at some point in these last two regular-season games a possibility.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Samuel's return on Thursday was likely, but dependent on how his Wednesday workout went. Samuel was a limited participant in practice. With the NFC West title and a playoff spot already secured, there is no need to rush the receiver back.
#49ers WR Deebo Samuel is back at practice in early open portion on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/Xaykf1zCWj
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) December 29, 2022
#49ers WR Deebo Samuel took part in most of the individual drills we see in early open portion of Thursdays practice. He's easing back in and will almost certainly be limited today and we'll see about Sunday. Again, Niners have no need to rush him. pic.twitter.com/S5QA9JT73w
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) December 29, 2022
Defensive end Nick Bosa and punter Mitch Wishnowsky returned after missing Wednesday due to illness.
#49ers Deebo Samuel is suited up for practice, first since knee/ankle sprains
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 29, 2022
Nick Bosa and Mitch Wishnowsky also returned after missing yesterday ill pic.twitter.com/QImOitaemT
As expected, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw returned to practice after receiving Wednesday off, which was planned. The defensive lineman returned to the football field against the Washington Commanders this past Saturday, his first action since Week 3.
"I thought he did a good job," Shanahan said this week of Kinlaw's Week 16 performance. "I think the more he plays, the more we'll be able to keep him out there longer. That fourth-and-one down on the goal line, I thought he made a real big play there taking on the double team, taking two blockers, allowing [LB] Fred [Warner] and [DT] T.Y. [McGill] to make that play. So he really helped out, was stout in the run game, and that was a good first step."
Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Raiders, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot), DL Kevin Givens (knee), CB Ambry Thomas (ankle, illness)
Limited Participation in Practice
DL Arik Armstead (foot, ankle), DL Kerry Hyder (ankle), DT Javon Kinlaw (knee), RB Jordan Mason (hamstring), RB Christian McCaffrey (knee), WR Deebo Samuel (ankle, knee)
Full Participation in Practice
DL Nick Bosa (illness), QB Brock Purdy (oblique, rib), T Trent Williams (not injury related - resting player), P Mitch Wishnowsky (illness)
Las Vegas Raiders Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
QB Derek Carr (not injury related - personal matter)
Limited Participation in Practice
T Jackson Barton (back), RB Zamir White (ankle)
Full Participation in Practice
G Alex Bars (knee), CB Nate Hobbs (quadricep)
