SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is expected to miss at least several weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during Sunday’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday.
Samuel left the contest in the third quarter of San Francisco’s 32-29 win in Seattle. Shanahan told reporters that Samuel “got it pretty good” and will be sidelined for an extended period, the Associated Press reported. ESPN reported that the 30-year-old playmaker is projected to miss at least a couple of weeks, though ClutchPoints noted the team currently expects him to avoid being placed on injured reserve.
Before his departure Sunday, Samuel logged two receptions for 21 yards and ran twice for four yards, according to Bleacher Report. The setback halts an impressive start to his reunion with the 49ers. After playing last season for the Washington Commanders, Samuel rejoined San Francisco as a free agent and has totaled 16 catches for 206 yards, three receiving touchdowns and 78 rushing yards across five games, while also serving as the primary kick returner, the AP reported.
Mounting injuries test San Francisco’s receiving depth
Samuel’s absence deepens a severe shortage of healthy pass catchers on the San Francisco roster. According to the AP, the 49ers entered the season already missing projected starter Ricky Pearsall, who underwent season-ending knee surgery during training camp. Rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling had ankle surgery following the regular-season opener and will remain out for at least another month.
Furthermore, Demarcus Robinson remains on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain, and Christian Kirk has been sidelined by a calf issue since the start of training camp, the AP reported. Backup linebacker Garret Wallow also suffered a hamstring injury against Seattle that is expected to sideline him, though Shanahan indicated it was less severe than Samuel’s injury.
“Any time you lose this number of guys, whether it’s four guys or five guys, whatever it is, it’s a huge challenge,” Shanahan said, according to the AP. “But we do have guys in this building who can do it and we’ll always look.”
The club still relies on top receiver Mike Evans, who leads the unit with 24 receptions for 326 yards and three touchdowns, according to the AP. Veteran Brandin Cooks, added to the roster last month, caught a touchdown against Seattle. Younger options on the active roster include Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing, who share only nine career NFL receptions between them, while practice squad members Malik Turner and Xavier Smith offer additional depth.
Potential defensive reinforcements on the horizon
While the offense navigates another setback, San Francisco received encouraging news on defense and special teams ahead of their Week 6 contest against the Commanders next Monday night.
Shanahan stated that defensive end Nick Bosa has a chance to play after sitting out three consecutive games with a calf injury, according to NBC Sports. The Athletic reported that Shanahan also listed fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who is recovering from a knee issue, and defensive tackle James Thompson Jr., who has been dealing with an ankle problem, as having an opportunity to suit up. Team medical personnel plan to evaluate all three players throughout the week before determining their availability.
