The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their NFC Championship Game contest against the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
In this week's injury report, the spotlight is on wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who suffered a shoulder injury during this past weekend's playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers.
While Samuel did not participate in practice, observers noted his presence on a side field, donning his jersey and engaging in some work with trainers as the Wednesday session kicked off.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic noted, "That's a positive sign for the rest of the week."
No Deebo Samuel at practice, but he does have his jersey on and is doing work on a side field as practice begins. That's a positive sign for the rest of the week.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 24, 2024
Omar Ruiz of NFL Network added, "He did some running, the full length of the practice field and back. Carried a ball with him at times. In our small window of observation, any discomfort wasn't apparent."
Deebo Samuel was working off to the side during the portion of #49ers practice that was open to the media. He did some running, the full length of the practice field & back. Carried a ball with him at times. In our small window of observation, any discomfort wasn't apparent.
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) January 24, 2024
"He's feeling better," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Samuel. "... Just his shoulder hurts. That's all. Just hurts."
When asked if he expects Samuel to play against the Lions, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk stated, "I do, personally, but just continue to pray for him, that he can get better throughout the week and be out there with us to finish the job."
Below are Wednesday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Lions, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Wednesday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
DE Nick Bosa (not injury related - resting player), WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder), T Trent Williams (not injury related - resting player)
Full Participation in Practice
DT Arik Armstead (foot, knee), LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles), S George Odum (biceps), CB Ambry Thomas (hand)
Detroit Lions Wednesday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
G Jonah Jackson (knee), TE Sam LaPorta (knee), C Frank Ragnow (ankle, toe, knee, back), WR Kalif Raymond (knee)
Limited Participation in Practice
LB Alex Anzalone (shoulder, ribs), WR Josh Reynolds (ribs)
Full Participation in Practice
LB James Houston (ankle)