The good news is that the San Francisco 49ers had no new injuries after Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Per the transaction wire, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. officially had his tryout for the team on Monday. Kyle Shanahan said the team wanted to “see where he’s at” coming off a serious neck injury. We’ll see if anything comes of the signing, especially a week after the secondary struggled. In an attempt to add team speed, Samuel Jr. could get one of the safeties off the field while Upton Stout potentially replaces Ji’Ayir Brown.
Brock Purdy nears return
The ramp-up period for Brock Purdy will continue this week. Shanahan said, “We want three aggressive practices” from Purdy, who hasn’t been listed as a full participant since he re-aggravated his toe injury in Week 4.
Last week, Shanahan said he’ll check with Purdy on Saturday after a week of practice to see how he’s feeling. If the feedback is positive, Purdy would play. So, the team will remain in a wait-and-see mode with Purdy, likely hoping he can get through Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday’s practice in full to start.
Ricky Pearsall is a yes; Brandon Aiyuk, not so much
Without saying it, Shanahan sounded like a head coach who expects Ricky Pearsall to play next Sunday: “Hopefully, the next two days go well, and if they do, he’ll be back out there. Had a good weekend.”
Pearsall is still in the top 20 in receptions over 20 yards. He has as many as A.J. Brown, Tee Higgins, Puka Nacua, and Drake London — all wide receivers who are considered elite. The difference is that Pearsall has done it in some cases in half as many games.
While Shanahan is hopeful to get Pearsall back at practice this Wednesday, the 49ers will not open the practice window for Brandon Aiyuk this week.
It makes you wonder whether the 49ers are waiting to see how these next three weeks go before they head into the bye week and determine whether it’s worth bringing their star wide receiver back.
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