SANTA CLARA — Deebo Samuel’s knee and rib issues won’t keep him out of uniform today for the undefeated 49ers, who, however, will miss running back Elijah Mitchell and wide receiver Jauan Jennings against the Arizona Cardinals.
Mitchell will not play for the 18th time in the past 30 regular-season games, this time because of a knee injury in Thursday’s practice that kept him out of Friday’s session.
Jennings did not practice last week because of what the 49ers’ term a “shin” injury, without further clarification.
Other 49ers who were declared inactive were offensive lineman Nick Sakelj, defensive tackle Kalia Davis, linebacker Jalen Graham, cornerback Anthony Brown and third quarterback Brandon Allen.
Samuel overcame a rib injury to catch a fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the 49ers’ last game, a 30-12 win over the New York Giants on Sept. 28. A knee issue flared up afterward and kept him out of practice Wednesday and Thursday.
Whereas Samuel and Mitchell were listed as questionable Friday, Jennings drew a doubtful designation. The following day, the 49ers foreshadowed Samuel’s availability by elevating only Willie Snead IV from the practice squad, rather than also summon Chris Conley as they figured to do if Samuel would be out.
Brandon Aiyuk rejoins the receiving corps after a shoulder injury kept him out against the Giants. Others in that unit are Ray-Ray McCloud and Ronnie Bell.
Mitchell was active but did not play in Week 2 as Christian McCaffrey’s backup in a win over the Rams. Mitchell did play 25 percent of the offensive snaps last game and had 11 carries for 42 yards.
Ty Davis-Price is active for the first time this season and could see his first carries in relief of McCaffrey, although Jordan Mason also could be utilized as a backup. Mason had three carries (11 yards) last game.
Arizona players declared inactive were linebacker Joshua Woods, cornerback Starling Thomas V, running back Keaontay Ingram, offensive lineman Carter O’Donnell, offensive lineman (and waiver claim from 49ers) Ilm Manning, tight end Elijah Higgins, and defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter.