Deebo Samuel hospitalized due to pneumonia: What is it, is it serious and how long could he be out for?

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been hospitalized with a “pneumonia-like” illness, leaving fans wondering how serious the situation is and how long he might be out. Samuel, known for his grit and ability to turn short plays into big gains, fell ill just before the 49ers' Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He played only four offensive snaps before the illness sidelined him completely in what ended up being a 28-18 loss.

After the game, Samuel was spotted on the sideline wearing an oxygen mask, a clear sign that something was wrong. A day later, the team confirmed he has fluid in his lungs, and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan referred to the illness as “pneumonia-like.” Samuel is being treated in the hospital, and there is no clear timeline for his return.

This comes at a tough time for the 49ers, who are preparing to face the Dallas Cowboys in a prime-time matchup on Sunday. They are already without receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who tore his ACL and MCL against Kansas City. Jauan Jennings also missed the last game due to a hip injury, and tight end George Kittle is dealing with a sprained foot. All of this leaves the team thin on offensive playmakers.

Samuel’s absence is significant. He’s caught 20 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown this season, along with 19 carries for 51 yards and another score. His breakout game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6, where he racked up 117 yards, reminded everyone of the unique threat he brings to the field. Now, with respiratory issues lingering, his status for the upcoming games is in doubt.

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In some cases, it leads to fluid in the lungs, which seems to be the issue for Samuel. While pneumonia can vary in severity, it can be serious, especially if not caught early. Treatment usually involves antibiotics or antivirals, rest, and sometimes hospitalization, as is the case with Samuel.

How long will he be out? That depends on how quickly he responds to treatment and how severe his case is. Pneumonia can take a week or two to recover from for healthy individuals, but it might be longer for someone who’s physically exerting themselves like Samuel. Shanahan hasn’t given a timetable yet, which indicates the situation is still fluid - pun not intended.

The 49ers will be keeping a close eye on Samuel’s condition. In the meantime, the team will have to prepare for Sunday night with a depleted offense, hoping their star wideout can bounce back quickly from this setback.