49ers' Kyle Shanahan hopes Deebo Samuel can be ready for season opener

Although 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is “not counting on it,” the club is hopeful that presumptive No. 1 wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be available for the regular-season opener.

Samuel underwent surgery in mid-June to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot, an injury sustained in a player-organized workout in Nashville. He is currently on the 49ers’ non-football injury list and unable to practice.

Samuel's goal is to be on the field when the 49ers open the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium.

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Shanahan said he is cautiously optimistic.

“Deebo’s going to do anything he can to be in shape, but it’s hard to be in football shape until you can play football,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “So how many practices can we get him in here before Arizona? That’s going to all go into play, so I’m hoping for Week 1. But not sure yet.”

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The 49ers added veteran wide receivers Tavon Austin and J.J. Nelson on one-year contracts to compete for jobs with Samuel and Richie James currently out of action. James also is on the non-football injury list as he recovers from a fractured right wrist.

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