49ers injury report: Updates on Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel

The San Francisco 49ers’ first injury report of the week includes the team’s two top playmakers.

It’s still early in the week, but the San Francisco 49ers need all hands on deck for their Week 13 matchup against “49ers South Beach.” The loss of their new running back would certainly put a damper on their matchup against their very familiar foes. Here’s the Niners’ initial injury report prior to Sunday’s showdown with the Miami Dolphins:

49ers injury report – Did not participate in practice

RB Christian McCaffrey (knee)
DL Charles Omenihu (knee)
OL Spencer Burford (ankle)
RB Elijah Mitchell (knee)

The biggest piece of news from Wednesday’s practice was the absence of new star running back Christian McCaffrey. Last week, CMC was seen on the sideline after halftime stretching and bending his knee, which was protected by a brace due to “knee irritation,” per head coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey’s absence would obviously be a significant blow to the 49ers on Sunday.

Defensive lineman Charles Omenihu was also held out of Wednesday’s practice due to a knee injury the defender sustained during Sunday’s game against the Saints. Fellow lineman on the opposite side of the ball, starting OL Spencer Burford also did not participate, but appears to be close to returning to action from his recent ankle sprain.

One player who will not return to the field any time soon—and may be headed for I.R.—is running back Elijah Mitchell, who was also listed on the report due to his long-term knee injury.

49ers injury report – Limited participation

WR Deebo Samuel (quadricep)
DL Arik Armstead (foot, ankle)

Wide receiver, running back, and wingback Deebo Samuel was back on this week’s injury list, but with a different leg injury. Deebo’s hamstring didn’t prevent him from playing against the Saints, and his new quadricep injury shouldn’t keep him off the field during this weekend’s matchup with Miami.

Read More: 49ers creep up NFL power rankings after blanking Saints in Week 12

Defensive lineman Arik Armstead continues to struggle to return from an early-season foot and ankle injury, but the starter inched a little bit closer by participating in a limited capacity during practice early in the week.

49ers injury report – Full participation

QB Jimmy Garoppolo (knee)

Last Sunday, the remainder of the 49ers’ season hung in the balance as fans watching from home witnessed what appeared to be a major injury to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s left knee— and his subsequent grimace from the pain— both on repeat and in slow motion.

Read More: 49ers grades and analysis from their shutout victory over the Saints.

However, the Niners’ signal-caller remained in the contest and later claimed his knee would not be an issue moving forward. Garoppolo appeared to be true to his word, as he was a full-go in Wednesday’s practice and did not utilize a brace on the knee in question throughout the session.

Miami Dolphins injury notes

Of note, the Miami Dolphins injury report did not include any limitations for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who left last week’s game with an ankle injury. In addition, running back Raheem Mostert was limited with a knee injury, but is expected to play on Sunday after suffering through a self-inflicted rough week on social media in the run-up to the rematch with his former team.