When it rains, it pours for the San Francisco 49ers.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday that wide receiver Deebo Samuel has sustained a calf strain, and will be sidelined for a few weeks, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The 28-year-old, a former First Team All-Pro, seemingly suffered the injury during San Francisco’s Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. This news is unexpected, as Samuel recorded eight catches for 110 yards against Minnesota without showing any signs of injury during the game.
The 49ers, last year’s NFC champions, are facing a string of setbacks. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is still recovering after being shot last month, and star running back Christian McCaffrey is on injured reserve due to a troubling Achilles injury.
With McCaffrey out, Samuel has been the Niners’ top offensive playmaker, often taking on roles in the backfield as a power runner. His absence will likely push Chris Conley into a starting receiver position alongside Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. Currently at 1-1, the 49ers have a couple of relatively manageable games coming up against the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots. Hopefully, Samuel will be ready to return by Week 5.
