The San Francisco 49ers will be desperate to avoid a third successive surprise defeat this week when they host the New England Patriots, and their hopes of getting back on track received a surprise boost on Thursday.

Having missed the heartbreaking defeat to the Los Angeles Rams with a calf injury and been absent from Wednesday’s practice, wide receiver Deebo Samuel was present and in uniform for the section of practice open to the media.

That would appear to be a sign that the 2021 first-team All-Pro has a good chance of making an earlier than anticipated return. 

Samuel was expected to miss two games after suffering the injury late in the 49ers’ Week 2 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings.

San Francisco did not struggle to produce on offense against the Rams despite being without Samuel and tight end George Kittle (hamstring). Jauan Jennings went for 175 yards and three touchdowns on a career day that proved in vain.

Still, the 49ers could certainly have used the easy buttons Samuel and Kittle consistently provide as they tried and ultimately failed to close the game out.

Kittle was also seen at practice after being limited on Wednesday in a clear signal he is poised to make his return. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams returned after missing Wednesday’s session through illness.

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Dee Winters returned to practice after also missing out on Wednesday. Winters re-aggravated an ankle injury against the Rams but, if healthy, could be in line to take over starting WILL linebacker duties from veteran De’Vondre Campbell.

Personnel changes the 49ers should make to help reverse their concerning defensive decline

They do have some potential fixes.