Matt Maiocco talked to George Kittle about his recovery from a broken bone in his foot. The 49ers’ tight end hinted that he’s close to getting back on the football field and hopes to play before the season ends.
The 49ers began preparations to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday in Arizona with an injury report as short as it has been all season.
Of course, the 49ers still have 15 players on injured reserve, in addition to center Weston Richburg and Ronald Blair likely out for the season while on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel was held out of practice as the 49ers began to settle into their new work environment in Glendale, Ariz. Coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers opted to keep Samuel off his feet as he works back into football shape.
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Samuel returned to action against the Los Angeles Rams after sitting out three games with a hamstring injury. He played 62 of the team's 72 offensive snaps.
Shanahan said Samuel did not sustain any kind of setback in his return to action while catching 11 passes for 133 yards in the 49ers' 23-20 victory over the Rams. Samuel, who has appeared in just five games this season, has been particularly impressive after the catch.
"He's just still sore from the game," Shanahan said. "Especially after traveling yesterday and stuff, being on a plane, we don't want to get him out there with what's happened to him this year and have him go full speed and risk anything with the hamstring."
Nickelback K'Waun Williams remains out with a high ankle sprain.
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The 49ers this week placed cornerbacks Jamar Taylor (knee) and Ken Webster (hamstring) on injured reserve. But the 49ers hit the practice field as whole as they have been in a while.
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The 49ers no longer have any players on the NFL's reserve/COVID-19 list after rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and defensive linemen D.J. Jones and Jordan Willis were cleared on Wednesday in time for the team's flight to Arizona.
The team is looking forward to the prospect of getting Samuel and Aiyuk on the field together against the Bills for one of the few times this season.
The 49ers also saw the return of full practice for running back Tevin Coleman, who has been out since with a knee injury.
RELATED: 49ers' Mullens expresses heart-felt appreciation for injured teammate Taylor
Here is the 49ers' official injury report for Thursday:
49ers injury report
Did not practice: WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring), CB K'Waun Williams (ankle)
Limited: CB Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring)
Full participation: WR Brandon Aiyuk (not injury related), DT D.J. Jones (not injury related), DE Jordan Willis (not injury related)
Bills injury report
Did not practice: DE Mario Addison (knee, rest)
Limited: QB Jake Fromm (not injury related), TE Reggie Gilliam (hamstring), RB Taiwan Jones (hamstring)
Full participation: QB Josh Allen (knee, ankle), G Jon Feliciano (foot)
