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SANTA CLARA – Deebo Samuel, who is dealing with a left shoulder injury, provided some encouraging signs of his progress Wednesday toward returning to action this week.
The wide receiver did not participate in the 49ers’ practice on Wednesday, but his chances of playing in the NFC Championship Game appear to be trending positively.
With a football under his left arm, Samuel ran back and forth across the practice field during the time at the beginning of practice when the media was allowed to observe the 49ers practice.
Samuel suffered the shoulder injury Saturday night that limited him to just nine plays in the 49ers’ 24-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC divisional round playoff game.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk expressed optimism when asked if he thought Samuel would be able to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
“I personally do it,” Aiyuk said. “But I’ll keep praying for him to get better throughout the week and I’ll be with us to finish the job.”
Earlier this season, Samuel missed nearly three full games with a shoulder injury, and the 49ers went 0-3 in those games with losses to the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals.
In the playoffs, the 49ers managed to beat the Packers despite Samuel being a spectator for most of the game.
Jauan Jennings and Chris Conley played Samuel’s position and Ray-Ray McCloud primarily filled Jennings’ spot as a slot receiver.
Aiyuk said he believes the wide receiver group is better equipped now to continue and produce if Samuel is unavailable.
Conley had a key 17-yard reception on the 49ers’ winning drive, while Jennings took advantage of his extended playing time with five catches for 61 yards after catching just 19 passes for 265 yards in the regular season.
“I feel like this is his moment,” Aiyuk said of Jennings. “This is what it’s made for; this is what it’s made for. So if the opportunity presents itself, I’m ready to ride with it.”
“All the work we do is for that. “I’m sure everyone will step up and be ready.”
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