The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 4 contest against the New England Patriots on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel unexpectedly returned to practice for the first time since suffering a calf strain in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. While his participation doesn't mean he'll suit up on Sunday, it's an encouraging sign that the offensive playmaker is progressing in his recovery.
I spy with my little eye one Deebo Samuel at the early portion of #49ers practice pic.twitter.com/hmXgjGUAFf
— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) September 26, 2024
Deebo putting in work ???? pic.twitter.com/W2zvucohhi
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 26, 2024
Head coach Kyle Shanahan may provide an update on Samuel's status during his weekly Thursday radio interview.
Tight end George Kittle returned to practice on Wednesday and participated again on Thursday. A hamstring injury sidelined him for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams.
#49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) again participating in early open portion of practice. He was limited yesterday. pic.twitter.com/LZBDwXv1ya
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 26, 2024
Tackle Trent Williams was back on the field after missing Wednesday's practice due to illness, and linebacker Dee Winters returned after re-aggravating an ankle injury in Sunday's game.
Unfortunately, linebacker Curtis Robinson was carted off the field during practice. The 49ers later reported that he sustained a knee injury.
49ers backup linebacker Curtis Robinson was carted off with apparent leg injury while on special teams drill ????
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 26, 2024
Later in practice, defensive tackle Jordan Elliott was carted off the field with a foot injury. This is particularly significant because starter Javon Hargrave is expected to be placed on injured reserve, likely missing the remainder of the season due to a partially torn triceps. The 49ers were counting on Elliott to step up in Hargrave's absence.
Below are Thursday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Patriots, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
WR Jacob Cowing (illness), DT Javon Hargrave (triceps)
Limited Participation in Practice
DT Jordan Elliott (foot), TE George Kittle (hamstring), LB Curtis Robinson (knee), WR Deebo Samuel (calf), LB Dee Winters (ankle)
Full Participation in Practice
QB Brock Purdy (back), T Trent Williams (illness)
New England Patriots Thursday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
CB Alex Austin (ankle), G Michael Jordan (ankle), T Vederian Lowe (knee)
Limited Participation in Practice
CB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder), TE Hunter Henry (ankle), LB Anfernee Jennings (shoulder), CB Jonathan Jones (shoulder), G Sidy Sow (ankle), T Caedan Wallace (knee)
Full Participation in Practice
G Michael Onwenu (wrist), S Jabrill Peppers (ankle)