Report: 49ers McCaffrey, Samuel, Williams avoid serious injuries, could play Week 7
Oct 17, 2023, 3:20 PM | Updated: 3:46 pm
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
It seems that the national media has confirmed good news for the 49ers, as none of their star players, including running back Christian McCaffrey, suffered serious injuries in Week 6.
Reports surfaced Tuesday afternoon that the San Francisco 49ers avoided long-term ailments to their star players, including McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Trent Williams. All three players left the contest at various points, with only Williams returning. But after coach Kyle Shanahan relayed optimism during his Monday conference call, all signs seemed to be pointing in the right direction.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter gave an update on the players’ statuses Tuesday:
None of the injuries to 49ers’ standouts Christian McCaffrey (oblique), Deebo Samuel (shoulder) and Trent Williams (ankle) are considered long-term, per sources. Each has a chance to be ready for Monday night’s game at Minnesota, though the work week will help determine who can play and who can’t.
It’s being reported by Adam Schefter that #49ers Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel & Trent Williams all avoided serious injury
Each player could potentially play vs Vikings depending on how practice goes throughout the week 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ICRJ5Z2ncW
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) October 17, 2023
McCaffrey’s injury was the biggest concern, with further MRI testing keeping the prognosis in limbo for a few more hours.
NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Matt Maiocco stated earlier Tuesday that it would come down to “pain tolerance” for the running back. Quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a similar oblique/rib ailment last season, playing through it in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks.
But while the injury isn’t considered serious, the 49ers will be cautious with their star ball carrier entering Week 7.
“Yeah, I mean it’s obviously a tougher position just because you get hit a lot more. But we’ve just got to see how it reacts,” Shanahan said about McCaffrey.
Deebo Samuel’s injury is seen as less concerning, as he was pulled in the second half due to a shoulder injury. Shanahan’s mood Monday conveyed that the wideout would be okay to play in the near future, but that those injuries are taken one day at a time.
“That’s why we’re saying day-to-day,” Shanahan said. “We got to see how he recovers this week and how his body is going to handle it. You never know how those [injuries] react, so we’ll wait and see.”
Finally, Trent Williams’ issue is the least of the team’s concerns, dealing with a low-grade ankle sprain. The star player was able to play through the pain into the second half of Week 6. Despite leaving Ohio in a walking boot, Shanahan and Co. feel confident and appreciative of Williams’ toughness.
“He didn’t show any limps and it was a pretty courageous effort by him coming out and in those circumstances, especially with the player he was going against,” Shanahan added.
McCaffrey, Samuel and Williams all seem questionable heading into Monday night’s clash with the Minnesota Vikings. But the fact that they even have a chance to play is a big sigh of relief for the 49ers Faithful.
Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule
- Monday, October 23rd @ Minnesota Vikings – 5:15 PM PST
- Sunday, October 29th vs. Cincinnati Bengals – 1:25 PM PST
- Sunday, November 12th @ Jacksonville Jaguars – 10:00 AM PST
- Sunday, November 19th vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 1:05 PM PST
- Thursday, November 23rd @ Seattle Seahawks – 5:20 PM PST
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