What is confirmed
Samuel did not practice Thursday, according to the 49ers practice report posted by Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Shanahan said Monday that Samuel would miss at least a couple of weeks. A trip to IR would cost him a minimum of four games. With San Francisco hosting Washington on Monday night, then playing Atlanta in Week 7 before the bye, the team can let him sit those two games and keep him on the active roster for a possible return after the break.
Shanahan also said Mike Evans will not practice Thursday because of Achilles soreness on top of a rib injury he has been managing, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported. Because the 49ers play Monday, Thursday was the first practice of the week. Christian Kirk was limited with a calf issue.
What it means for the depth chart
The unbeaten 49ers are thin at receiver for the Washington game. Samuel is set to miss it, Evans is now carrying two injuries, and Kirk is working back on a limited basis. Any extra snaps fall to the depth pieces behind them, and the Friday and Saturday reports will show how much Evans can do before Monday.
What RSO owners should do now
Hold Samuel. The team tied the decision to the bye, which points to a return target right after the break, around Week 9. If your league only allows an IR stash for players on the NFL's injured reserve list, he will not qualify, so plan a bench spot for him through the bye.
Keep Evans in your lineup plans for now, but have a fallback ready for Monday night. A first-practice absence for a veteran is common, and the Achilles note is the part to track. If he logs a limited session Friday or Saturday, he is likely on track to play.
