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SANTA CLARA — Three of the 49ers’ top offensive weapons — Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell — won’t participate in Wednesday’s initial practice for the upcoming NFC Championship Game.
Samuel surfaced on the injury report with an ankle issue that, according to coach Kyle Shanahan, has been hindering the 2021 All-Pro, presumably dating to last month’s sprain against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“It’s kind of sore. Just being cautious and trying to get ready for Sunday,” Samuel said.
McCaffrey sustained a right-calf contusion and Mitchell a groin issue in Sunday’s 19-12 NFC divisional-playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys, a victory that catapulted the 49ers (15-4) into Sunday’s NFC Championship Game at the Philadelphia Eagles (15-3).
McCaffrey missed two practices because of knee and ankle issues before their regular-season finale, and he was limited the following week, but he was off the injury report ahead of last Sunday’s win. He has started every game in their current 12-game win streak. His understudy, Mitchell, has played three games since returning from his second knee sprain this season.
Shanahan said quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will not resume practicing this week, after undergoing an X-ray on the left foot he fractured Dec. 4. That means Josh Johnson will remain as the backup to Brock Purdy, who’s produced eight wins since replacing Garoppolo.
The only other 49ers listed on the injury report are defensive lineman Charles Omenihu (oblique) and cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle). Both were to be limited in practice. Omenihu, if healthy, will play Sunday despite being arrested Monday for suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence, Shanahan said.
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