After breaking his foot during a workout in June, San Francisco 49ers’ wideout Deebo Samuel was optimistic that he’d get back to action in time for the start of 2020 NFL season. However, according to 49ers’ general manager John Lynch, this won’t be the case.
Speaking with KNBR on Tuesday, Lynch admitted that Samuel “may well miss some games” this season.
“Deebo was really working,” said Lynch. “That’s the wonderful thing about this kid. He has a desire to be great. A freak deal. A blow. Might we be whiteout him at beginning of the season? Yes. Fair to say he may well miss some games early in the year.”
In Samuel’s absence, 49ers’ will have to rely on their 2020 first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk to do the heavy lifting early. Head coach Kyle Shannahan’s other options on the position include Dante Pettis, Jalen Hurd, and Trent Taylor. Hurd and Taylor both missed 2019 with injuries, but are expected to be in full form this year.
Deebo Samuel had a successful rookie campaign in 2019, playing 15 games with 11 starts in the regular season. He had 57 receptions for 802 yards and three touchdowns en route to PFF All-Rookie Team selection.
Samuel was also a big contributor for San Francisco in the postseason, setting the Super Bowl record for most rushing yards by a wide receiver with his 53 yards run in Super Bowl LIV.
