49ers Rule Out Three Wide Receivers as Bosa Returns to Practice Ahead of Raiders Matchup
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into their Week 9 home game at Levi’s Stadium with a roster caught in a tug-of-war between high-profile returns and mounting attrition. Coming off their Week 8 Bye, the team sits at a 6-1 record, looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season against Atlanta. But as head coach Kyle Shanahan finalized preparations for Sunday’s clash against the Las Vegas Raiders, the receiver room took a hit.
Following Friday’s final practice, the team officially ruled out three wide receivers: Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), and Christian Kirk (knee). Evans missed all three practices this week as he continues recovering from rib and Achilles injuries. Before leaving the field prior to halftime during Washington in Week 6, he caught three passes for 94 yards. Samuel Sr. also missed all three practices with his hamstring injury.
Defensive Reinforcements Arrive on the Field
While the offense deals with a depleted receiving corps, the defensive side of the ball received an injection of talent. Defensive lineman Nick Bosa and running back Christian McCaffrey both progressed to full participation on Friday and carry no game designations heading into Sunday. Bosa, sidelined since Week 2 with knee and calf injuries, was cleared to return against Las Vegas. Cleared to go. Had a real good week. I’m excited to have him back,
Shanahan said.
McCaffrey similarly worked through a hamstring strain sustained during the team’s Week 7 game in Atlanta, progressing from sitting out Wednesday to limited work Thursday and a full workload Friday. Earlier in the week, San Francisco welcomed defensive lineman DeForest Buckner back to town, bolstering a defensive front that also welcomes back Bosa as the team gets ready to battle the Raiders.
Shanahan Expects to Activate Robinson for Sunday Game
The 49ers also opened practice windows this week for cornerback Nate Hobbs and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, both working their way back from the Injured Reserve List. Both players were limited in all sessions. Ever since getting hurt in the ankle during the matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2, Robinson has been out of action. In response to an inquiry regarding whether Hobbs and Robinson might be activated for Sunday’s contest, Shanahan remarked, Most likely D-Rob. Still trying to decide.
CB Upton Stout (shoulder, neck), DB Siran Neal (knee, foot), Hobbs (adductor), and Robinson (ankle) are questionable.
As the 49ers prepare to host Las Vegas, the contrast between a bolstered pass rush and a shorthanded receiving corps sets up a tactical challenge for Shanahan’s offense. Whether returning pieces like McCaffrey can shoulder the load while Evans and Samuel watch from the sideline remains a question as the 49ers prepare to face the Raiders.
(Other) NEWS: #49ers DE Nick Bosa is set to return Sunday against the Raiders with RB Christian McCaffrey also good to go. It will be — at least — another week for WR Mike Evans… https://t.co/lAhmXKmM0j
DE Nick Bosa and RB Christian McCaffrey have no injury designations and are good to go Sunday against the Raiders. Kyle Shanahan says WR Demarcus Robinson will most likely be activated for Sunday. Not sure yet on DB Nate Hobbs.
