"The way I kind of see it in my mind ... I think we're hoping for Week 1 (but) not counting on it," Shanahan said when asked about Samuel's recovery. "But I think that's kind of the area that these injuries usually heal by. But a lot of it has to do (with) are you ready to play, is it fully healed by that time, are you in football shape?"
Samuel shared the following video on Instagram of himself running sprints and showing off his progress. (h/t to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Bay Area)
He's obviously not at 100 percent yet, but having him in the lineup, paired with rookie Brandon Aiyuk and mainstay Kendrick Bourne, for the start of the season would be huge for Shanahan and the 49ers offense. The video, however, doesn't show off testing his foot and making cuts. That will likely come at a later date as his rehabilitation progresses.
"Deebo's going to do everything he can to be in shape, but it's hard to be in football shape until you can play football," Shanahan continued. "So, how many practices do we get him in here before Arizona? That's going to all go into play, but I'm hoping for Week 1 but not sure yet. It's a little too early."
Earlier this month, Samuel showed off his rehabilitation progress while working out at the 49ers facility in Santa Clara.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Watch: Mykel Williams reacts to being drafted by the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers selected Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The team hopes he can provide an immediate boost to a defensive front hit hard by offseason departures. RELATED: 49ers select Georgia DE... -
49ers' Mykel Williams reveals plan to improve his game
The newest addition to the San Francisco 49ers, former Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, arrived in Santa Clara on Friday and met with Bay Area reporters in person for the first time. At just 20 years old, the young defender is eager to get to work and develop his skills at... -
Lifelong 49ers fan living his dream after being drafted by San Francisco
Not many San Francisco 49ers fans were familiar with Montana wide receiver Junior Bergen, the seventh-round draft pick the team hopes will contribute as a returner on special teams. However, Bergen knows all about the Niners, as he's been a lifelong fan, a fact he shared during... -
49ers' Nick Martin eager to learn from Fred Warner, shares MCL injury update
Nick Martin has a golden opportunity to line up next to one of the NFL's best linebackers. After being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Oklahoma State standout is eager to learn from All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. "I...