The 49ers on Wednesday released their first official injury report of the season. While there was some optimism it may return some good news on wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, they both remained out with a hamstring and foot injury, respectively. Center Ben Garland did return in a limited fashion.
Here’s what Wednesday’s injury report looked like:
Did not participate
WR Deebo Samuel (foot)
WR Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring)
CB Jason Verrett (hamstring)
Limited participation
C Ben Garland
It’s not a huge surprise that Samuel and Aiyuk are still out. While their absence Wednesday isn’t a positive development for their chances to play in Sunday’s season opener, it’s doesn’t rule them out.
Foot and hamstring injuries are both the type of ailment the 49ers will be conservative with in hopes of limiting the likelihood of re-aggravating those injuries. They could opt to hold them out of Week 1 and opt to wait until each player is at 100 percent before putting them back on the field.
Garland hurt his ankle in camp while filling in for starting center Weston Richburg who’s still on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Even limited participation for him Wednesday is good news for the 49ers’ offensive line. Garland is a quality starter who’s absence could throw their shallow interior offensive line into flux. Getting some action in Wednesday doesn’t guarantee he’ll play Sunday, so this will be worth monitoring closely moving forward.
Verrett’s absence isn’t a shock given that he hurt his hamstring after training camp. The team may opt to keep him inactive on game day until he’s fully healed and able to contribute at full speed.