Samuel Nears Practice Return as Evans Remains Sidelined

San Francisco is preparing for Deebo Samuel to return to practice on November 11, coach Kyle Shanahan said on November 9. Samuel has missed three games with a hamstring injury. His participation could put him on track to play against the Dallas Cowboys on November 15, provided there are no setbacks.

Mike Evans, who has been out for the past two games with Achilles tendonitis, is not expected to practice this week. If he remains out, he will miss a third consecutive game. The team has kept both receivers off injured reserve.

General manager John Lynch has described Evans’ absence as precautionary, saying the 49ers do not want to rush him back and risk worsening the injury. San Francisco is 7-1 and is looking to have Evans available for the longer term.

In his first season with the 49ers, Evans has 27 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns. Samuel had 16 receptions for 206 yards and three touchdowns before his injury. With both receivers unavailable in the team’s most recent game, second-year wideout Jordan Watkins led San Francisco with 86 yards and a touchdown on four catches.