SANTA CLARA – Deebo Samuel’s ability to practice a second straight day has him questionable for the 49ers’ game Sunday, but a couple other starters also were added to the injury report with that 50/50 designation.
Left tackle Trent Willliams has a toe issue and safety Talanoa Hufanga rolled his ankle in practice, making them questionable along with linebacker Dee Winters and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, the latter of whom hurt his foot in Thursday’s practice.
Tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is fully expected to return from a one-game hiatus. He did not play in Sunday’s 27-24 loss at the Los Angeles Rams, nor did Samuel with a calf strain that figured to keep him out two games.
Quarterback Brock Purdy required an MRI on Monday because of back soreness but was not limited in practice all week.
Ruled out were linebacker Curtis Robinson and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave; Robinson tore an anterior cruciate ligament in a non-contact action Thursday, and Hargrave underwent a season-ending triceps tear Sunday.
Winters (ankle) participated for a second straight day, and wide receiver Jacob Cowing returned after missing Thursday’s session while ill.
McCAFFREY UPDATE
The 49ers hope to start running back Christian McCaffrey’s rehabilitation on Monday, coach Kyle Shanahan said after confirming the star running back underwent treatment last weekend in Germany. General manager John Lynch described McCaffrey’s issue as “bilateral Achilles tendinitis.”
“God willing, the thing has quieted down and we can build him back up in a really smart and thoughtful way,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “With Christian, we’ve got to be cognizant. Of course we want him back. He’s a game-changer for us. But we want him back healthy. We’ll take the necessary time for that. How much it takes, I don’t think anyone knows right now. We’ll start that process, kind of reconvene now that he’s at and we’ll get a plan together.” Lynch said McCaffrey sought treatment overseas after doing thorough research, “and we blessed it and we’ll leave it at that.”
PATRIOTS INJURIES
Left tackle Vederian Lowe (knee) got ruled out by the Patriots, along with cornerback Alex Austin (ankle) and guard Michael Jordan (ankle). Questionable are linebacker Anfernee Jennings (shoulder), cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder), guard Sidy Sow (ankle) and offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (knee). Removed from their injury list were cornerback Christian Gonzalez, tight end Hunter Henry, guard Michael Onwenu, and safety Jabrill Peppers.
PEARSALL PRACTICE PLAN
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is expected to resume practicing next week for the first time since being shot in the chest Aug. 31 by an attempted robber in San Francisco. Once cleared to practice, Pearsall will enter a 21-day window for the 49ers to evaluate him, though he would be eligible to play as soon as the Oct. 6 home game against Arizona.
“All signs are indicating he’ll be OK to do that,” Lynch said. “We’ll judge him throughout this weekend and have some more markers to hit. Getting him back in practice will be a big deal.”
Pearsall is on the Non-Football Injury List and does not count toward the 53-man roster. “Ricky’s doing really well,” Lynch added. “He’s put in the work. He’s very eager to get back but it’s our job to make sure he’s ready. He’ll be a great addition. We drafted him for a reason.”
ROBINSON IS DONE
Robinson’s fourth NFL season is over because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which he sustained by simply running downfield on punt coverage early in Thursday’s practice. “Curtis had worked his tail off, really a good contributor for us,” Lynch said. “We’ll see how that goes, but the early signs weren’t good, I can tell you that.”
