Kyle Shanahan announces WR Deebo Samuel could return to practice Thursday

Dec 28, 2022, 12:35 PM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball while being tackled by Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

More good news for the San Francisco 49ers as wide receiver Deebo Samuel could return to the practice field as soon as Thursday.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Wednesday that the Pro Bowl wideout could return to the field the following day if his workout goes to plan today. Samuel has missed the last two games, recovering from an ankle and MCL sprain suffered in Week 14.

“I think he has a chance to practice tomorrow,” Shanahan said Wednesday. “Depends how today’s workout goes and stuff.”

Initially fearing a serious injury for Samuel, the organization, and fans alike, breathed a sigh of relief when tests revealed no significant damage to his lower leg. The wideout suffered the injury in the second quarter of Week 14’s clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Getting tackled from behind, Samuel’s left leg was bent awkwardly, reeling on the ground in agony for a few minutes. Trying to get off the field under his own power, the cart was needed to take Samuel to the locker room.

Deebo Samuel warming up the WR’s pic.twitter.com/Tkh8KFypCx

— KNBR (@KNBR) December 24, 2022

The wide receiver recently appeared off to the side of the field to close out last week’s practice sessions, indicating a return before the end of the regular season was in the cards.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is not expected to practice Wednesday for the 49ers. Initially seen as a cause for concern, his coach confirmed that this is part of the plan, wanting to work the South Carolina standout back into the fold gradually before the postseason.

“No that’s just the plan all along,” Shanahan stated. “We’re going to have him go full [practice] tomorrow.”

Kinlaw featured in his first game in Week 16 since suffering a flare-up in his surgically-repaired ACL after Week 3. The defensive linemen has been on the injured reserve ever seen. While he only played in 16 snaps Saturday against the Commanders, the team took away positives from his performance.