49ers’ Deebo Samuel Returns to Practice After Shoulder Injury

The San Francisco star is recovering from an early exit against the Packers.

In an arduous NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers took more than their fair share of licks.

There was the matter of the game itself, which the 49ers had to rally from 21-14 down to win on running back Christian McCaffrey's six-yard run with 1:07 to play. Even before the late on-field drama, San Francisco sustained a critical blow as wide receiver Deebo Samuel exited with a shoulder injury.

Samuel's status ahead of Sunday's NFC championship against the Detroit Lions has been in question this week, but coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Thursday that the 2021 All-Pro would be a limited participant in the day's practice.

#49ers WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder) will be a limited participant in practice today, per Kyle Shanahan.

A positive sign for Deebo as Sunday approaches.

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 25, 2024

Against the Packers, Samuel was held to just two catches for 24 yards before his untimely departure. Speculation over Samuel's status has been up in the air all week, with legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice suggesting Wednesday he would play.

In 15 games this regular season, the South Carolina product was his usual potent self with 60 catches for 892 yards and seven touchdowns.