The San Francisco 49ers are facing a tough stretch. Head coach Kyle Shanahan informed reporters on Monday that wide receiver Deebo Samuel has strained his calf and will be sidelined for a few weeks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Samuel, a 28-year-old former First Team All-Pro, sustained the injury during the Niners’ Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite catching eight passes for 110 yards, he showed no signs of being injured during the game, making the news unexpected.
The 49ers, last year’s NFC champions, are dealing with multiple setbacks. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is still recovering from a shooting incident last month, and star running back Christian McCaffrey has been placed on injured reserve with an Achilles injury that continues to raise concerns.
Samuel, who often plays as a power runner from the backfield, is now their top offensive weapon in McCaffrey’s absence. With Samuel also sidelined, Chris Conley will likely step up alongside Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. The 1-1 Niners have two winnable matchups ahead, against the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, and hope Samuel can return by Week 5.
