In the midst of a two-game skid, the San Francisco 49ers may receive a much-needed boost on offense when they face the New England Patriots on Sunday. Tight end George Kittle, who missed last week’s game due to a hamstring injury, is set to return to the lineup. Additionally, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who has been sidelined with a calf injury, is listed as questionable and may also see action.
However, the 49ers may be without left tackle Trent Williams, who was a surprise addition to the injury report on Friday. Williams sat out Wednesday’s practice due to illness and then injured his toe during Thursday’s session. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Safety Talanoa Hufanga, who recently returned from a torn ACL, rolled his ankle during Thursday’s practice and is also questionable. If Williams and Hufanga are unable to play, Jaylon Moore would step in at left tackle, with George Odum and/or rookie Malik Mustapha filling in for Hufanga.
Kittle, who participated in all three practices this week, expressed his excitement to return to the field. “I’m feeling fantastic,” he said. Coach Kyle Shanahan echoed Kittle’s sentiments, stating, “He’s looked good this week.”
Samuel, who has been limited in practice, will have a decision made on his availability closer to Sunday. Despite initial concerns that he would miss a couple of weeks, Samuel’s progress has been encouraging. “I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be with the information that I was given and the timeframe fit up pretty well,” he said.
In other injury news, running back Christian McCaffrey has returned to the Bay Area after receiving treatment in Germany for his Achilles tendinitis. He is eligible to come off injured reserve and play in the October 10 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Shanahan expects McCaffrey to begin ramping up his rehab early next week.
Quarterback Brock Purdy (back soreness) and punt returner Jacob Cowing (illness) do not have injury designations and are cleared to play. On the defensive side, defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (foot) is listed as questionable, while linebacker Curtis Robinson suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.
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