The 49ers did not have Brandon Aiyuk last Thursday. They might not have Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings this Sunday.
It’s a bit of a surprising turn given the extended layoff the 49ers had from their short week, but Samuel has been dealing with both rib and knee injuries, while Jennings has had a shin injury.
Kyle Shanahan said Jennings would be doubtful, while the following players would be questionable:
- Deebo Samuel (rib, knee)
- Elijah Mitchell (knee) – his status is new. Shanahan said he got tripped up and banged his knee in practice on Thursday.
- Dre Greenlaw (ankle)
- Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (ankle)
Jennings’ designation is not surprising given Friday’s practice. During the open portion of practice on Friday, Jennings was not in uniform and not participating. Samuel was in uniform but doing individual work. That said, he broke out into a full sprint and looked unhindered in that brief stint.
This means another increased workload for Ray-Ray McCloud and Ronnie Bell. Shanahan also confirmed that the 49ers would elevate one of Chris Conley or Willie Snead IV from the practice squad. While both could be elevated, that’s unlikely given that only two practice squad activations are allowed each week.
The Cardinals released the following status report, ruling two players out:
OUT:
- DE Jonathan Ledbetter (finger)
- LB Josh Woods (ankle)
Questionable:
LB Krys Barnes (finger)WR Marquise Brown (thumb)
RB Keaontay Ingram (neck)
T Paris Johnson (ankle)
Starting running back James Conner (back) was a full participant on Thursday and Friday after being limited on Wednesday. He’s good to go.