The San Francisco 49ers offense faced another setback when star receiver Deebo Samuel was sidelined with a strained calf.
Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned on Monday that Samuel sustained the injury in the final moments of Sunday’s 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and is expected to be out for “a couple of weeks.”
This injury to Samuel follows the recent news that All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve due to a sore calf and Achilles tendinitis.
This means San Francisco will be missing two of its top three players from last season in terms of touchdowns and yards from scrimmage.
“When you lose real good players, it’s always tough,” Shanahan said. “But it happens all over the league and it’s a huge part of this league and a huge part of this game. We’ve got to deal with it.”
Samuel had eight catches for 110 yards on Sunday and has been the top receiving option for San Francisco this season, especially as Brandon Aiyuk returns to form after missing all of training camp due to a contract dispute. Samuel leads the team with 13 catches for 164 yards this season.
Samuel has also been the team’s second option at running back with McCaffrey injured and scored a touchdown in the season opener against the New York Jets.
The 49ers have an open roster spot after placing McCaffrey on injured reserve, but Shanahan was unsure if they would fill it with another receiver or running back.
San Francisco currently has three healthy running backs: rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr. are backing up Jordan Mason. Guerendo has had one carry for no yards this season, and Taylor has only appeared on special teams.
