Aiyuk expects Deebo to play for 49ers vs. Lions in NFC title game

SANTA CLARA — Deebo Samuel, who is dealing with a left shoulder injury, provided some encouraging signs of his progress Wednesday toward returning to action this week. The wide receiver didn't take part in 49ers practice Wednesday, but the chances of him playing in the NFC Championship Game appear to be trending in a positive direction. With a football tucked under his left arm, Samuel ran back and forth along the length of the practice field during the time at the beginning of practice in which the media was allowed to observe the 49ers' workout. Samuel sustained the shoulder injury Saturday night that limited him to just nine plays in the 49ers' 24-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC divisional round playoff game. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk expressed optimism when asked if he thought Samuel would be able to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions. "I do, personally," Aiyuk said. "But (I'll) just continue to pray for him that he gets better throughout the week and be out there with us to finish the job." Earlier this season, Samuel missed nearly three full games with a shoulder injury, and the 49ers went 0-3 in those games with losses to the Cleveland Browns,...