NFL
Deebo Samuel Sr.’s injury is just one of many big names on the questionable list for the 49ers vs Bucs game
Christian McCaffrey is set for a long-awaited return in Tampa, although Kyle Shanahan has other injury issues to contend with.
The San Francisco 49ers came within one game of winning their first NFL championship since 1994 last season, losing the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Californians have been tipped by many to go deep again this year, although their up-and-down start to the season has been hampered by a series of injury issues, with Deebo Samuel Sr. and Christian McCaffrey among those affected.
Christian McCaffrey injury and availability update
Star running back McCaffrey hasn’t had any game time since the Super Bowl, missing the entirety of the 2024 season to date because of Achilles tendinitis.
However, the 28-year-old returned to practice this week ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET) and was removed from San Francisco’s injured reserve list (IR) on Saturday after participating fully on Friday. Although he remains listed as ‘questionable’ on the 49ers’ injury report, head coach Kyle Shanahan claims McCaffrey “should be good to go”.
There are plenty of concerns for Shanahan elsewhere, however, with five players already ruled out, including starting cornerback Chavarius Ward, unavailable due to a personal matter.
Will Deebo Samuel play for the 49ers against the Bucs?
To make matters worse, there have also been doubts surrounding the fitness of key wide receiver Samuel, who is dealing with rib and oblique muscles injuries, and defensive linesman Nick Bosa, who has a hip issue.
Hours before facing the Bucs, however, multiple reports on Sunday have suggested Samuel will ultimately be available for action.
49ers’ Week 10 injury report vs Bucs:
Out:
Charvarius Ward (personal matter), Chris Conley (hamstring), Jon Feliciano (knee), Kevin Givens (groin), Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
Questionable:
Nick Bosa (hip), Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), Deebo Samuel (rib, oblique), Malik Mustapha (calf)
As mentioned, although McCaffrey remains on the injury report, he is expected to play some part against the Bucs.
49ers’ rollercoaster start to 2024
Chasing their first Super Bowl title in 30 years, the 49ers are 4-4 after eight games, having failed to put together any consecutive wins this season so far. The Californians, who had a bye in Week 9, beat the Dallas Cowboys 30-24 in their most recent game. They visit a Buccaneers team that was 4-2 after Week 6, but has now slipped to 4-5 after three straight losses.