Deebo Samuel Sr. reportedly will beat his initial injury timeline.
The San Francisco 49ers receiver sat out Week 3 due to a calf injury that was supposed to sideline him for multiple games.
But Samuel returned to practice in a limited capacity this week, and the latest reports indicate he’ll suit up for Sunday’s home game against the New England Patriots.
What’s Deebo Samuel Sr.’s Status for San Francisco 49ers-New England Patriots?
Samuel expects to play on Sunday, as first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Other league insiders, including NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, corroborated Schultz’s report.
Source: #49ers WR Deebo Samuel plans to play Sunday vs the #Patriots.
The All-Pro has 13 catches for 164 yards and a rushing touchdown in two games this season. Samuel (calf) is listed as questionable. pic.twitter.com/hYi0Z1W9HU
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 29, 2024
Samuel’s return would be great news for the 49ers, who went 1-2 in their first three games.
The surprising struggles of San Fran’s typically excellent defense have placed added pressure on the 49ers’ loaded offense.
Samuel posted 13 catches for 164 yards while adding 10 rushes for 13 yards and one touchdown in the first two games.
Other 49ers Injury Updates
When the week started, it looked like the 49ers would be forced to play without a slew of key players against the Patriots.
And though some stars will miss the Week 4 contest — Christian McCaffrey and Javon Hargrave, among others — San Fran’s injury situation isn’t quite as bleak as it once was.
Tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and quarterback Brock Purdy (back) both were removed from the injury report on Friday. They’re good to go for Sunday’s game.
Additionally, star tackle Trent Williams reportedly is expected to play despite dealing with an illness and toe injury.
#49ers WR Deebo Samuel (calf) and LT Trent Williams (illness, toe) are both listed as questionable and both likely to play, sources say. Williams being active could hinge on a pre-game workout, but there is optimism.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 29, 2024
The Patriots and 49ers will kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET.
PFN Fantasy Analysis: Can You Trust Samuel?
If you own Samuel, you probably can’t afford to keep him on the bench. However, expectations should be tempered for a player who wasn’t expected to return this early.
Furthermore, we don’t know how the Patriots will defend Samuel. If they shadow him with cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Samuel could have a quiet day. If New England instead puts Gonzalez against Brandon Aiyuk, Samuel could feast against slot corner Marcus Jones.
As for Aiyuk, managers still are waiting for a breakout performance from the receiver, who sat out all of training camp due to a contract dispute. Aiyuk caught just 11 passes for 119 yards and zero touchdowns over the first three weeks and didn’t appear in great shape.
And then there’s Jauan Jennings, who caught 11 passes for 175 yards and three TDs last week while Samuel was sidelined with his injury.
Jennings is an ascending talent and a solid fantasy asset. But with Samuel, Aiyuk, and Kittle also on the field, there simply aren’t enough targets to go around.
Given the injuries and general instability that’s plagued the 49ers’ offense to start the season, fantasy managers should exercise caution until we get a better sense of what the group looks like at full strength.