Samuel limited, McCaffrey and Mitchell miss 49ers practice ahead of NFC Championship Game

Star San Francisco 49ers' running backs Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell sat out Wednesday's practice session while Deebo Samuel was limited ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

McCaffrey was absent with a calf contusion while Mitchell missed out with a groin issue. Samuel was set to sit out the session with an ankle injury but participated in individual drills and was later listed as limited.

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan said there were no guarantees that the trio would be available for Sunday's game, although he expressed confidence.

"I expect them to but there's no guarantees, especially with it being the NFC Championship Game," Shanahan told reporters.

"I think there's a better chance they'll be ready since there's nothing guaranteed after this. So, hopefully. We'll keep our fingers crossed."

On Samuel's ankle injury, Shanahan added: "It's been there for a little bit. I think it'll be alright but it concerned us enough to not let him go today."

All-Pro receiver Samuel, who had two receiving touchdowns from 56 receptions for 632 yards along with three rushing touchdowns in the regular season, was bullish that he would be available to play.

"It's just kind of sore," Samuel said. "We're just being cautious and just trying to get ready for Sunday."

Shanahan also said defensive lineman Charles Omenihu was in line to play despite his arrest on suspicion of misdemeanour domestic violence on Monday.

"We're letting the legal process take care of itself so if he's healthy, he'll play this week," Shanahan said.

The Niners take on the Eagles in Sunday's NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field.