San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ribs, knee) is expected to play in Sunday's game versus the Cardinals, despite barely practicing this week, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources. Running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) is not expected to play, Rapoport added.
Samuel was listed as questionable after suffering a rib injury during the 49ers' 30-12 win over the Giants. Samuel recorded six receptions for 129 yards and scored one touchdown in Week 3. Throughout the season so far, Samuel has recorded 17 receptions for 247 yards and one touchdown.
Although having Samuel active is good news for San Francisco, bad news followed with Mitchell, who is not expected to take the field. Mitchell has recorded 16 carries for 52 yards so far this season, with the young running back not playing in Week 2. Now the 49ers will keep on rolling with Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.
The 49ers and Cardinals kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Other injuries we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday's Week 4 games:
- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown, who is listed as questionable with a thumb injury, is expected to play against the 49ers, Rapoport reported, per sources.
- Baltimore Ravens safety Marcus Williams (pectoral; questionable) is inactive versus Cleveland.
- Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders, who is listed as questionable with a groin injury, is expected to play versus the Vikings, Rapoport reported, per sources. Sanders is officially active for the game.
- Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (right shoulder) is officially inactive versus the Ravens. Tight end David Njoku, who recently sustained burn injuries to his arm and face, is officially active.
- Dallas Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz (hamstring) and guard Zack Martin (ankle) are expected to play against the Patriots, Rapoport reported, per a source.
- Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (hip) is inactive versus the Bears.
- Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell is expected to start against the Chargers with Jimmy Garoppolo out due to a concussion. The assumption is that veteran backup Brian Hoyer would start. Instead, it's the rookie, Rapoport reported, per sources.
- Miami Dolphins center Connor Williams (groin; questionable) is officially inactive. Liam Eichenberg will get the start in his place, per NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.
- Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (back) is inactive, but linebacker Marcus Davenport (ankle; active) will play versus Carolina.
- New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (right shoulder) will start against the Buccaneers, Rapoport reported, per a source. Carr is officially active for the game.
