49ers injury report vs. Raiders: Deebo Samuel is out despite practicing

Despite returning to practice this week, 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will still be inactive for Sunday’s contest against the Raiders.

Remember back in that Week 14 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which nearly everything went the San Francisco 49ers’ way?

Essentially the only thing that didn’t in what was otherwise a blowout win for the Niners was watching All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel being carted off the field with what looked like a serious knee or ankle injury.

With Samuel in tears at that moment, it was reasonable to assume the injuries were of the season-ending variety.

Except they weren’t.

An early diagnosis suggested the “wide back” could return to the field in a matter of weeks, not months, as nothing was broken or seriously injured.

Indeed, during the week leading up to San Francisco’s Week 17 game on the road against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders, Samuel made his return to practice.

Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t mean he’ll be back on the field this weekend.

49ers injury report vs. Raiders Week 17

Samuel is officially listed as out, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan on Friday.

The 49ers never placed Samuel on injured reserve, and they also haven’t with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (foot), although it’s looking more and more as if rookie Brock Purdy will retain his hold on the job under center.

As such, Garoppolo is still included as being out for the Niners’ Week 17 matchup on New Year’s Day against Las Vegas.

He and the following players are on San Francisco’s injury report this week:

• WR Deebo Samuel (knee, ankle): OUT
• QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot): OUT
• DL Kevin Givens (knee): OUT
• DL Kerry Hyder (ankle): Questionable
• CB Ambry Thomas (ankle): Questionable

Related Story: Raiders to bench Derek Carr on Sunday vs. Niners

The 49ers defensive line is still notably thin but welcomed back third-year defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw last week after an elongated absence because of a knee injury.

His presence will make a notable difference against a solid Raiders offensive line and potent ground game with Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs.

The Niners and Raiders kick off on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Allegiant Stadium.