49ers-Cardinals Injury Report: McCaffrey, Kinlaw miss practice; Deebo’s return could be near

Running back Christian McCaffrey has not practiced this week. He is dealing with what head coach Kyle Shanahan described as a “mild” ankle sprain. The running back took part in some individual work but departed for the locker room before practice started. When asked about the situation on Thursday, McCaffrey suggested that he expects to play against the Cardinals.

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel continues to be a full practice participant this week. He is returning from MCL and ankle sprains suffered on December 11.

“Not necessarily trying to push [to play this weekend],” Samuel told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m not going to risk myself. If I’m not 100 percent ready to go, I’m not going to go out there.”

Samuel may be nearing 100 percent based on his practice participation level. The receiver playing on Sunday isn’t out of the question.

The 49ers opened the practice window for running back Elijah Mitchell this week. However, the team is not required to list him in the practice participation report since he remains on the injured reserve list.

“He’s had a great week of practice,” Shanahan said of Mitchell on Thursday. “He looked real good today, and I’ll talk to him here over Friday and Saturday, but right now, I’m expecting to get him up, and I expect to play him a little bit here on Sunday.”

San Francisco has already ruled out guard Aaron Banks for Sunday’s game. However, he was seen getting some work in on the side.

Kevin Givens could be closing in on a return to the football field. The defensive tackle did not practice on Wednesday but got some work in on Thursday.

Below are Thursday’s practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Cardinals, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.

San Francisco 49ers Thursday Practice

Did Not Participate In Practice
OL Aaron Banks (ankle, knee), QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot), LB Dre Greenlaw (back), DT Javon Kinlaw (illness, knee), RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle, knee), CB Ambry Thomas (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice
DL Arik Armstead (foot, ankle), DL Kevin Givens (knee)

Full Participation in Practice
DL Nick Bosa (not injury related – resting player), QB Brock Purdy (oblique, rib), WR Deebo Samuel (ankle, knee), T Trent Williams (not injury related – resting player)

Arizona Cardinals Thursday Practice

Did Not Participate In Practice
DE Zach Allen (hand), WR Robby Anderson (back), S Chris Banjo (concussion), LB Zaven Collins (calf), RB James Conner (knee, shin), CB Antonio Hamilton (hip), WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee), DE Jonathan Ledbetter (knee), QB Colt McCoy (concussion)

Limited Participation in Practice
T Kelvin Beachum (knee, ankle), DT Leki Fotu (shoulder), CB Josh Jackson (hamstring), C Billy Price (knee), LB Tanner Vallejo (knee, wrist), DE J.J. Watt (groin), CB Marco Wilson (neck)

Full Participation in Practice
WR Marquise Brown (wrist), LB Isaiah Simmons (ankle)