Arik Armstead Returns to Practice Friday; Doubtful for Week 12

A huge step in the right direction for the San Francisco 49ers as defensive lineman Arik Armstead returned to practice Friday.

The Sacramento native was seen on the field for the first time since being ruled out in the fourth quarter of Week 4’s clash with the LA Rams. Armstead has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, while also nursing a hairline fracture in his right ankle. The team has previously declined to place the big man on the injured reserve, hoping he could heal in less than a month’s time. Unfortunately complications and undefined timelines hindered Armstead from getting on the field, making his absence even longer than anticipated.

He was seen working in some capacity during the media potion of Friday’s practice, listed as limited officially by the 49ers.

I spy with my little 👁️…Arik Armstead #49ers pic.twitter.com/sPmdH9uZF8

— Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) November 25, 2022

Predictably, San Francisco have listed him as doubtful for this weekend’s game against the New Orleans Saints. While the 49ers Faithful is eager to see the star DL back on the field, his inclusion Friday is a sight for sore eyes, indicating a possible return could be in the cards during the team’s upcoming three-game homestand.

“He just keeps passing every test, and then today was the first day to get into practice so it’s a big step for him,” head coach Kyle Shanahan added Friday.

On the offensive end, wide receiver Deebo Samuel is listed as questionable heading into the weekend after being limited in practice this week with a hamstring injury. Samuel missed Week 8 against the Rams with the injury, but has featured in every game since.

Defensive end Samson Ebukam will also make his return to the field Sunday, previously dealing with a quadriceps injury that held him out of Weeks 10 and 11.

49ers Injury Report

Doubtful:

DL Arik Armstead (foot, ankle)

Questionable:

WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring)

Cleared:

DE Samson Ebukam (quad, achilles)

Saints Injury Report

OUT:

S J.T. Gray (hamstring)

DE Payton Turner (ankle)

LB Pete Werner (ankle)

Questionable:

DE Marcus Davenport (calf)

DE Cameron Jordan (eye)

CB Marshon Lattimore (abdomen)

G Andrus Peat (triceps)

RB Mark Ingram (knee)

Click here to watch Kyle Shanahan’s full Friday presser

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