Kyle Shanahan couldn't provide a positive update on Deebo Samuel beyond a few platitudes in his Wednesday press conference, but the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver managed to offer hope he will play in the NFC Championship Game despite being missing from their first practice ahead of the meeting with the Detroit Lions.

Samuel was not part of the session because of the shoulder injury he suffered in the Niners' narrow divisional round win over the Green Bay Packers. 

But the work he did get in as the 49ers ramped up their preparations for a third successive conference title game should breed optimism Brock Purdy will have one of his most versatile weapons available as the offense looks to make crucial improvements on its unconvincing showing against the Packers.

Injury report

Injury report observations

Though he did not take part in practice, Samuel was seen working on side field, running the full length of the field and at times carrying a ball with no obvious discomfort, per NFL Network's Omar Ruiz.

Deebo Samuel was working off to the side during the portion of #49ers practice that was open to the media. He did some running, the full length of the practice field & back. Carried a ball with him at times. In our small window of observation, any discomfort wasn’t apparent.

— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) January 24, 2024

That would appear to be a significantly positive sign for Samuel's participation in the game, though concern will naturally increase if he is unable to make a return to practice in some capacity.

Still, given the stakes, the 49ers will give Samuel every opportunity to prove he is healthy enough to play.

Having avoided a serious injury, the prevailing wisdom would appear to be that Samuel will play if it is simply a matter of pain management, especially given that the 49ers will get a week off if San Francisco prevails and progresses to the Super Bowl.

But in what has so far been a wild and unpredictable postseason, nothing should be taken for granted, not least the status of a player who is crucial to the 49ers' hopes of finally getting over the hump.

Brandon Aiyuk dismisses Brock Purdy critics with emphatic statement

It’s difficult to argue.