Final 49ers injury report for Week 4, vs. Cardinals

As expected, Deebo Samuel will head into the 49ers' Week 4 game with the Cardinals with a questionable designation on the injury report. The 49ers' wide receiver has been dealing with rib and knee injuries in the aftermath of San Francisco's Week 3 win over the Giants. San Francisco will have a plethora of weapons […]

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Sep 21, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) reacts next to New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) after making a catch for a first down in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, Deebo Samuel will head into the 49ers' Week 4 game with the Cardinals with a questionable designation on the injury report.

The 49ers' wide receiver has been dealing with rib and knee injuries in the aftermath of San Francisco's Week 3 win over the Giants.

San Francisco will have a plethora of weapons at its disposal even if Samuel does not play, but the Niners also have some significant concerns further down the depth chart, while the participation of a starter on the defense is still in a little doubt.

49ers injury report

PlayerInjuryWednesdayThursdayFridayGame Status

Dre Greenlaw

Ankle

DNP

Limited

Limited

Questionable

Jauan Jennings

Shin

DNP

Limited

DNP

Doubtful

Deebo Samuel

Ribs, Knee

DNP

DNP

DNP

Questionable

Trent Williams

Resting Player

DNP

Full

Full

Brandon Aiyuk

Shoulder

Limited

Limited

Full

Ambry Thomas

Knee

Limited

Limited

Full

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles

Ankle

Full

Limited

Limited

Questionable

Elijah Mitchell

Knee

DNP

Questionable

Injury Report observations

Samuel was seen on a side field at practice and did not appear to be moving with any limitations.

However, as they did with Brandon Aiyuk last week, the 49ers may play it safe at this early point in the season and give Samuel rest for a game they are expected to win.

Jauan Jennings' seemingly likely absence robs the 49ers of a dependable third wideout who is excellent on third down and in clutch situations.

The injuries to Samuel and Jennings make Aiyuk's return all the more important, but the options behind the leading receiver from 2022 are limited.

Ronnie Bell will likely take on an expanded role after he scored his first touchdown against the Giants. The 49ers also have starting kick returner Ray-Ray McCloud, while Chris Conley, Willie Snead IV and Isaiah Winstead are on the practice squad. Conley was elevated for the Giants game and Kyle Shanahan indicated in his Friday press conference that either he or Snead will be promoted to the gameday roster. He also left open the possibility of using an elevation for both.

Shanahan explained that Elijah Mitchell "tripped" his knee in Thursday's practice. Running backs not named Christian McCaffrey have been used sparingly this season. Still, not having their 2021 leading rusher would remove valuable insurance in the backfield for the 49ers. Jordan Mason will likely take the role of primary backup if Mitchell can't go.

Despite being listed as questionable, Greenlaw would appear to be on track to play after practicing for successive days.

With the 49ers seemingly set to be down two wideouts and potentially shorn of some running back depth, most of the onus in the skill positions against Arizona figures to be on Aiyuk, McCaffrey and George Kittle.