Star receiver Deebo Samuel’s strained calf prevented him from playing, which was another blow to the San Francisco 49ers offense.
Samuel suffered the injury in the closing seconds of Sunday’s 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and coach Kyle Shanahan stated on Monday that he will likely be sidelined for “a few weeks”.
Following the recent announcement that All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey had been placed on injured reserve because of Achilles tendinitis and a sore calf, Samuel has now sustained an injury.
This implies that two of San Francisco’s top three players in terms of touchdowns and yards from scrimmage from the previous campaign will be absent.
It’s never easy to lose really good players, according to Shanahan. However, it is a major aspect of both the league and the game and occurs throughout. We must address the issue.
With eight catches for 110 yards on Sunday, Samuel has emerged as San Francisco’s best receiving option thus far this season, particularly with Brandon Aiyuk back to full strength following his absence from training camp due to a contract dispute. With 13 catches for 164 yards this season, Samuel leads the team.
In addition, Samuel has been the team’s backup running back since McCaffrey was hurt. He also scored a touchdown in the opening game of the season vs the New York Jets.
Shanahan wasn’t sure if the 49ers will use another running back or receiver to fill the open roster position left by McCaffrey’s placement on injured reserve.
There are presently three healthy running backs for San Francisco: Jordan Mason is backed up by rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr. This season, Taylor has only made one appearance on special teams, and Guerendo has only had one carry for no yards.
