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NFL

Deebo Samuel calf injury update: How long will ther 49ers’ WR be out?

The San Francisco 49ers are facing another injury setback as head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that the wide receiver has suffered a calf strain.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers leaves the field after their 32-19 win over the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium on September 09, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.   Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
LACHLAN CUNNINGHAMAFP

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a tough blow as head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that wide receiver Deebo Samuel has suffered a calf strain. The injury occurred during the team’s Week 2 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, and Samuel is expected to miss several weeks.

Samuel had been a key player in the season’s first two games, offering a reliable target for quarterback Brock Purdy. Despite not having outstanding average yards of separation, he ranked 10th in the NFL in receiving yards. His absence compounds the 49ers’ growing list of injuries, with star running back Christian McCaffrey already sidelined.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 15: Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.   Adam Bettcher/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Adam Bettcher / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 15: Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Adam Bettcher/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Adam Bettcher / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)ADAM BETTCHERAFP

The 49ers’ depth at wide receiver is being tested, especially with Ricky Pearsall out for the first four weeks of the season after being placed on injured reserve. Samuel had even been filling in as a backup running back with McCaffrey out, leaving the team searching for offensive solutions.

In Samuel’s absence, the 49ers are expected to turn to Chris Conley and possibly give more opportunities to Jacob Cowing. Additionally, Brandon Aiyuk, who has had a slow start to the season, will need to step up his game. As one of the team’s top playmakers, Aiyuk is being relied upon to fill the void left by Samuel and validate his substantial contract.

The 49ers and coach Shanahan must be creative now with their roster navigating these early-season challenges.