Those wondering whether wide receiver Deebo Samuel would join his San Francisco 49ers teammates on the practice field during mandatory minicamp received their answer today. The star player was on hand but not suited up for the first day of the three-day minicamp, which shouldn't come as a surprise. The Athletic reported that Samuel spent time running on a side field.


Samuel left the practice field for the weight room after team warmups.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport first reported this morning that Samuel would attend this week's activities in Santa Clara. However, there was no guarantee that he would practice. Earlier this offseason, the receiver expressed that he was unwilling to remain with the team, requesting to be traded. However, the 49ers had no desire to trade away their best offensive weapon.

"We haven't traded him, and I'd be a fool to trade him. So yes, Deebo will be part of the 49ers this season," general manager John Lynch said last week.


While previous practices, part of organized team activities (OTAs), were voluntary, this week's are required. Injured players such as rehabbing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder) have been excused. The team could have fined Samuel for not reporting due to his contract extension dispute.


Also in attendance, as expected, are defensive end Nick Bosa and tackle Trent Williams. The two players missed OTAs.

"I know [Williams will] at least be here, from what he says, when it's mandatory," head coach Kyle Shanahan shared at the start of OTAs. "And same with Bosa. And I'm expecting Deebo also."

Both Bosa and Williams were in uniform today and participated in practice. Although, they reportedly only participated in individual drills.


Bosa had been training away from the 49ers' facilities, working with his brother, Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers.


Williams suffered a Grade 2 high-ankle sprain during the 49ers' playoff game against the Green Bay Packers and managed to battle through the NFC title game matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Against the Rams, his 52.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus was a season-low.


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