The San Francisco 49ers travel to Cincinnati this week for a tough out of conference matchup against the Bengals. Both teams are coming off tough losses. The Bengals took one on the chin vs the Los Angeles Chargers. The 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks in a game they needed.

Both starting running back Elijah Mitchell and wide receiver Deebo Samuel were absent from Thursday's practice. Their status is up in the air for Sunday's pivotal game.

Mitchell has been dealing with knee and concussion issues. It seems less and less likely that he will suit up Sunday. Mitchell has missed a few games this season due to injury already. He missed Week's 3 and 4, and then again in Week 11 vs the Jaguars.

While he was out, running back Jeff Wilson Jr. filled in at tailback. However, he is also dealing with a knee injury and was limited at practice. That would leave only JaMycal Hasty as the only healthy running back on the roster.

Deebo Samuel is a whole other problem. He is having a massive breakout season, ranking 4th in the NFL in receiving yards. But he missed Week 13's game against the Seahawks with a groin issue and looks questionable at best for this week.

While he was out, Jimmy Garoppolo force-fed tight end George Kittle who put up career numbers (181 yards and two touchdowns). Odds are the Bengals would pay extra attention to Kittle if Samuel is out.

Cincinnati is dealing with injury issues of their own. Quarterback Joe Burrow and running back Joe Mixon have each missed practice time this week.