3 days Ago By Nick Geddes, 5 GOATs
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Monday that star wideout Deebo Samuel suffered a calf strain in Sunday’s 23-17 Week 2 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings (2-0). Samuel will be sidelined for “a couple weeks,” Shanahan said. Samuel, 28, is no stranger to soft tissue injuries.
Since entering the NFL in 2019, Samuel has missed time with numerous injuries, including groin, hamstring and quad strains. He also dealt with knee and high-ankle sprains in 2022. Samuel got off to a fast start in 2024, recording a team-high 164 yards on 13 catches.
The 49ers are now without Samuel and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey . McCaffrey has been hampered by an Achilles injury since the start of training camp. He is currently on injured reserve.
Jordan Mason has performed well in McCaffrey’s absence, rushing for 247 yards on 5.1 yards per carry and two touchdowns. 49ers missing Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey The 49ers will now look for Brandon Aiyuk to get up to speed quickly after he held out of training camp while seeking a contract extension.
Through two games, he has hauled in just six receptions for 71 yards. Jauan Jennings , who has reeled in seven receptions for 101 yards, moves up the depth chart with Samuel sidelined. The 49ers go on the road in Week 3, facing off against their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams (0-2).
Like San Francisco, Los Angeles is dealing with several key injuries across the board. Pro Bowl wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are sidelined, as well as offensive tackles Joe Noteboom , KT Leveston and Conor McDermott , guard Steve Avila, defensive lineman Larrell Murchison and cornerbacks Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick . Guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III picked up injuries in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals (1-1) and are candidates to head to injured reserve.
This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission..
