SANTA CLARA – Deebo Samuel said he is “right where I’m supposed to be,” meaning his comeback from a calf strain has him poised to return from a one-game hiatus and play Sunday when the 49ers host the New England Patriots.
Samuel officially is listed as questionable, as are two other key starters who were added Friday to the injury report: left tackle Trent Willliams (toe) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle).
Such a designation means players have a 50 percent chance of playing; Christian McCaffrey was questionable before the opener before going on Injured Reserve with Achilles tendinitis that led to last weekend’s treatment in Germany.
Also questionable are linebacker Dee Winters and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, the latter of whom rolled his ankle in Thursday’s practice, the same one in which Shanahan said Hufanga got hurt enough to sideline him from Friday’s light walkthrough.
Williams also skipped Friday’s session, though he watched from afar. Shanahan said a “sore” toe is hindering the three-time All-Pro left tackle who also missed Wednesday’s session, though an illness was listed for that.
Initially expected to miss two weeks, Samuel returned in a limited role the past two practices. “I’m right where I’m supposed to be. With the information given, the timeframe held up pretty well,” Samuel said. “I came back feeling good, and at practice it was still feeling good, so we’ll see.”
GOOD TO GO
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.
Winters (ankle) participated for a second straight day, and wide receiver Jacob Cowing returned after missing Thursday’s session while ill.
OUT AND IR-BOUND
Ruled out were linebacker Curtis Robinson and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Robinson tore an anterior cruciate ligament in a non-contact punt-coverage drill Thursday. Hargrave sustained a triceps tear Sunday.
Both players figure to go on season-ending Injured Reserve, and such transactions could come as soon as Saturday when the 49ers typically elevate two players from the practice squad.
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.
AIYUK’S SHORT-GATE
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk wore red gym shorts for Friday’s warmups before reluctantly pulling them off to reveal regular black shorts, following a talk with Shanahan. “I wish I could wear different shorts (too),” said Shanahan, noting the uniform issue is not a fine-able offense.
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.”
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