After getting a big win against the New York Jets to start the 2024 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers looked like they were back on track to being a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the NFC again, even without superstar running back Christian McCaffrey on the field.
Unfortunately, in Week 2, the 49ers faced a setback with a loss on the road to Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings, which was a result few saw coming.
The Niners have gotten a bit banged up since the season opener, with the loss of McCaffrey being the most costly, but now versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel is listed as doubtful for Week 3 on the road against the NFC West-rival Los Angeles Rams, who are desperate for a win after dropping their first two games.
Although the 49ers are nowhere near 100 percent right now, they did get some good news with safety Talanoa Hufanga returning to practice and having a chance to play against the Rams.
“He should get back this week if everything goes right,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said, via NBC Sports Bay Area.
Shanahan says Hufanga will practice in full today and should return on Sunday ? pic.twitter.com/fgLWhzPDMc
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 18, 2024
Even though the Rams don’t look like the team they were last season, and Los Angeles is dealing with numerous injuries, including costly ones to their best wide receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, this is a divisional game, and anything can happen.
That said, the 49ers are trying to be as close to full strength as possible, and potentially getting Hufanga back on the field would be a big step in the right direction when facing veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
NEXT: Deebo Samuel Makes His Thoughts Clear About Goal This Season
