Deebo Samuel injury update: 49ers wide receiver to miss a 'couple weeks' with calf strain

The 49ers will be without one of their top playmakers for the foreseeable future.

Deebo Samuel, the pass-catching and ground game extraordinaire whose versatility has shined over the past few seasons, is expected to miss "a couple weeks" after suffering a calf strain in San Francisco's 23-17 loss to the Vikings on Sunday, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Monday evening.

The 28-year-old was one of San Francisco's few bright spots from a dour day at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, racking up eight catches for 110 yards to spearhead Shanahan's offense. It seems his performance will also serve as a reminder of what the Niners will be missing out on during his time on the sidelines.

Here's the latest on Samuel's condition as he readies for a stint away from the field.

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Deebo Samuel injury update

Shanahan revealed that Samuel will miss multiple games on account of his injury. He currently leads the team in receptions (13) and receiving yards (164). On the ground, Samuel has 10 carries for 13 yards and a score.

The former All-Pro has been beset by injury concerns over the course of his career up to this point. Samuel has missed at least two games every season since entering the league in 2019.

Last season represented a return to form for South Carolina alum, who participated in 15 contests, up from 13 the year before. Samuel posted totals of 60 catches, 892 yards, and seven touchdowns as a pass-catcher and added 37 carries, 225 yards, and five scores on the ground.

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Shanahan's offense was already running on fumes, felled by Achilles and calf injuries to McCaffrey, who was placed on injury reserved after San Francisco's Week 1 duel with the Jets.

With Samuel away, the Niners will need to spread the wealth if they hope to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the pack in the NFC West. Tight end George Kittle received increased looks in Sunday's matchup, hauling in seven passes, one of which went for a score. He had four catches in Week 1.

Also expect increased involvement for the likes of Jauan Jennings and Chris Conley, both of whom struggled to make a dent against Minnesota but could offer more in the coming few weeks.

MORE: Christian McCaffrey injury recovery timeline

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Jennings has plenty of experience fielding Brock Purdy's throws, having snagged 19 of them in 2024. He won't have to take on the brunt of the production — that responsibility belongs to big-money man Brandon Aiyuk. Nevertheless, Jennings' hulking frame should present Purdy with yet another impressive red zone option in addition to Kittle.

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Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell, and Jacob Cowing could also see spot minutes here and there as Shanahan looks to keep things fresh — and keep other members of his offense off the treatment table.