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topicnews · September 17, 2024

Deebo Samuel out for longer with calf injury • FootballR

Deebo Samuel out for longer with calf injury • FootballR

Reading time: 4 Min

Summary

  • 49ers: Deebo Samuel will be out for several weeks with a strained calf.
  • McCaffrey already on IR, offense severely weakened.
  • Aiyuk and Jennings need to take on bigger roles.
  • Shanahan faces challenge of adapting offense without top stars.

Die San Francisco 49ers The next big blow. After the surprising defeat against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Monday that wide receiver Samuel Deebo He will be out for “a few” weeks due to a calf strain. This news hits the team hard, which is already without its star running back Christian McCaffrey.

Bad luck with injuries strikes: Deebo Samuel and McCaffrey out of action.

The 49ers’ injury list is growing at an alarming rate. Just on Saturday, Christian McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve due to Achilles tendon irritation, which meant a break of at least four weeks. Now Deebo Samuel, another key player in the offense, has joined the injured.

According to Shanahan, Samuel sustained the injury in the closing stages of the game against the Vikings. Despite the injury, the versatile receiver put in a strong performance with eight catches for 110 yards. The severity of the injury only became clear after the game, when further tests confirmed the calf strain.

Offense: Who stepped into the breach?

Samuel’s absence presents the 49ers with major challenges. The team must now get creative to fill the gap left by the dynamic playmaker. Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings in particular will be the focus of attention in the coming weeks.

Aiyuk, who has been a low-profile player so far this season, ranking fourth on the team with 71 receiving yards, will now have to prove he can fill the role of top receiver. Jennings, who caught seven passes for 101 yards in the first two games, will also have to take on more responsibility.

For Kyle Shanahan, known for his innovative offensive scheme, the loss of Samuel means a tactical realignment. Samuel was a constant threat to opposing defenses not only as a receiver but also in the running game. His versatility allows the 49ers to confuse defenses and create mismatches.

Now Shanahan must find ways to maintain the productivity of his offense without two of his top stars. That could mean tight end George Kittle will take on an even bigger role in the passing game. Quarterback Brock Purdy also faces the challenge of directing the game without his two main weapons.

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The 49ers, who started the season as one of the top favorites, now face significant obstacles. In Week 3, they face a division rival, the Los Angeles Rams, who will surely take advantage of the 49ers’ weakening.

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