Patriots Outlook Worsens With 49ers Star On Track To Return

It appeared the New England Patriots had a chance at a Week 4 upset with the San Francisco 49ers shorthanded, but that outlook took a different turn heading into Sunday's matchup.

Deebo Samuel on Thursday returned to the practice field after Kyle Shanahan told reporters last week that the star wide receiver would "probably miss a couple weeks" due to a calf strain. The 28-year-old was a limited participant in practice along with George Kittle, who missed Week 3 due to a hamstring injury.

Kittle told reporters Thursday that he was "feeling fantastic" and that he was "very excited to play football," per ESPN's Nick Wagoner.

The Patriots felt Ja'Whaun Bentley's loss after losing to the New York Jets last Thursday, and they'll feel it even more if Kittle can play. New team captain Kyle Dugger's responsibilities would increase further and more stress would be put on the defense. One bright side is that Christian McCaffrey remains out, but Jordan Mason showed he's no slouch either.

New England seemed to avoid a serious injury with one of its key defenders, but it could be relying on a fourth-string left tackle against Nick Bosa and a 49ers team looking to shake off its surprising loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday.