Second 49ers injury report for Week 7, at Vikings

The San Francisco 49ers were again without the three offensive stars that suffered injuries in Week 6 as they prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. But not all 'did not practice' designations are the same, and there is increased hope that at least one of Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Trent […]

Nicholas McGee

Oct 20, 2023 7:05 PM EDT

Oct 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (center) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. — Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers were again without the three offensive stars that suffered injuries in Week 6 as they prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.

But not all 'did not practice' designations are the same, and there is increased hope that at least one of Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams will be able to play in primetime following Friday's session.

Beyond the intense focus on that pivotal trio, there was good news for the 49ers with two other starters returning to practice.

49ers injury report

The 49ers' Friday injury report for Week 7 at the Vikings. — The 49ers’ Friday injury report for the Week 7 game with the Vikings.49ers

Injury report observations

While wide receiver Samuel (shoulder) and All-Pro left tackle Williams (ankle) were not seen at all in practice, McCaffrey was working individually on a side field as he attempts to recover from an oblique injury in time to feature against Minnesota.

Exactly a year on from the do-it-all running back's blockbuster trade from the Panthers, McCaffrey looks to be the member of that critical offensive triumvirate with the best chance of facing the Vikings.

More encouragingly, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported McCaffrey asked head coach Kyle Shanahan to take nothing out of the gameplan and prepare for the Vikings as if he is playing, even if he does not take practice reps.

It guarantees nothing in terms of his availability for Monday night but earlier this week, #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey asked Kyle Shanahan to not take anything out of game plan and to prepare for McCaffrey to play, even if he doesn't take practice reps.

His intent is clear.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 20, 2023

McCaffrey, Samuel and Williams are all considered day to day.

While Williams may not be available, the 49ers appear on track to have starting left guard Aaron Banks in the lineup. Banks missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury but his return in a limited capacity indicates he will be ready for Week 7.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, having missed the loss to Cleveland, returned as anticipated and should slot straight into his role as the 49ers' starting WILL linebacker next to All-Pro middle linebacker Fred Warner.