ESPN reports that the 49ers have granted WR Deebo Samuel permission to seek a trade. It's reportedly the second time in three seasons that Samuel has made such a request. Samuel has one year remaining on his contract, with a $15.8 million cap hit, according to Spotrac. A $15.4 million option bonus that would pay out March 22 appears to set a deadline for a deal to happen.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel (rib, wrist) is out for Sunday's game vs. the Cardinals. Although he's had a disappointing season, Samuel has averaged 5.0 targets and 3.0 carries over the last five games. So his absence leaves extra opportunity for WRs Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall and RB Isaac Guerendo.

49ers QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game vs. the Packers. His injured right shoulder evidently didn't progress throughout the week as the team had hoped. GM John Lynch said Friday that an MRI on the shoulder didn't show anything concerning, so we're not expecting this to be a long-term absence. But Purdy's absence this weekend leaves QB Brandon Allen as San Francisco's expected starter. Allen has been with the 'Niners since May 2023 but has not attempted a regular-season pass for them. He completed just 57% of his passes at 6.1 yards per attempt in limited action for the Broncos and Bengals from 2019-2022. Allen is clearly a significant downgrade for all San Francisco pass catchers. Expect the team to lean heavily on RB Christian McCaffrey on Sunday.

49ers GM John Lynch said Friday morning that QB Brock Purdy had an MRI on his right shoulder. "Feel good about where it is from that standpoint," Lynch said. But he stopped short of saying that Purdy will play vs. the Packers this weekend. "Brock will show up here today, see where he goes from practice, go forth accordingly," Lynch said. He added that QB Brandon Allen would get the start if Purdy is out but that QB Josh Dobbs would also "be ready." We'll update Purdy's status again this afternoon.