The 49ers may once again be missing some receivers going into their next game. On Thursday night, Brandon Aiyuk was held out with a shoulder surgery.
Aiyuk looks on track to return this weekend, while both Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings might be in question. Here’s what the practice participation report looked like on Thursday before Kyle Shanahan offered an update:
Did not practice:
- WR Jauan Jennings (shin)
- WR Deebo Samuel (ribs, knee)
Limited:
- WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder)
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (ankle)
- LB Dre Greenlaw (ankle)
- CB Ambry Thomas (knee)
Shanahan joined Tolbert and Copes on Thursday and didn’t provide too much optimism as far as Samuel and Jennings go. Both will be uncertain for Sunday.
“Deebo and Jauan weren’t able to practice,” Shanahan said. “They’ll be questionable for the game. We’ll see how they go tomorrow. Hopefully they can get out tomorrow and give them a chance for Sunday.”
That’s not a glowing review, nor is it one of despair. Shanahan has not elaborated on the severity Samuel’s knee injury or Jennings’ shin, but the 49ers hold their heaviest practices on Thursday, so it’s no small thing to miss out. Players of Samuel’s caliber, of course, have played without practicing in the past, but another absence on Friday would not bode well.
What’s also interesting in the practice report is that Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who was a full participant on Wednesday, was listed as limited on Thursday. That might just be an indication of soreness or inflammation, but regression in practice is not an encouraging sign.
If the 49ers have to go without Samuel and/or Jennings, Ronnie Bell and Ray-Ray McCloud will once again have an increased role, and veteran Chris Conley or Willie Snead IV would likely be activated from the practice squad.