Week 1 possible?

Niners HC Kyle Shanahan hopes to have WR Deebo Samuel available for the regular-season opener, but says it's too early to tell, according to the team website. "I think we're hoping for Week 1. Not counting on it, but I think that's kind of the area that these injuries usually heal by. But a lot of that has to do with: are you ready to play? Has it fully healed by that time? Are you in football shape?" Shanahan acknowledged that it'll be tough to know how ready Samuel might be before he actually returns to the field. We'll certainly keep an eye on the 2nd-year wideout's status as the regular season draws nearer. In the meantime, his uncertainty adds upside to the late-round price tags on WRs Brandon Aiyuk and Jalen Hurd.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel (ankle) upgraded to full practice on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's NFC Championship game vs. the Eagles. Samuel has been targeted 16 times over the last 2 games with 7 carries as a runner. His high involvement makes him a quality fantasy option again this weekend despite the Eagles' defense ranking as the 10th-toughest matchup in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs. It's also worth noting that RB Elijah Mitchell (groin) is listed as questionable for this contest. Samuel could possibly pick up a couple extra carries in the event that Mitchell misses this game.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel (ankle) remained limited in Thursday's practice. He's still not 100% recovered from the high-ankle sprain he suffered in mid-December but is fully expected to play in Sunday's NFC Championship game vs. the Eagles. Samuel has racked up 178 receiving yards and 43 rushing yards over the past 2 weeks.

49ers Deebo Samuel (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday in advance of Sunday's NFC Championship game vs. the Eagles. HC Kyle Shanahan shared that “It’s been there for a little bit," referring to Samuel's ankle ailment, "I think he’ll be alright, but it concerned us enough to not let him go today" at practice. We'll see if the veteran is able to ramp up activity on Thursday. Check back once we learn some more information.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel led the team in receiving with 6 catches on 9 targets for 133 yards and 1 TD in Saturday's Wild Card win vs. the Seahawks. The crafty wideout also handled 3 carries for 22 yards on the ground in the contest. Samuel was seldom used in Week 18 after returning from a 3-game absence due to injury, so it's good to see his body hold up to a more significant workload. It's also worth noting that teammate WR Brandon Aiyuk is the only other 49ers' pass-catcher who logged more than 2 receptions.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel (ankle, knee) practiced fully to end the week and doesn't carry an injury tag in anticipation of Week 18 vs. the Cardinals. We'd be surprised if Samuel saw a full workload coming off a 3-week absence in the game the 49ers should control. But he's always capable of making his fantasy day with 1 big play. As such, consider the veteran a low-end WR3/flex option with some risk.