Deebo Samuel's fractured foot will be one of the most important storylines of the 2020 season for the 49ers.
After suffering the Jones fracture in his foot, Samuel claimed he'd be back in 10 weeks, which was two to six weeks earlier than the initially reported time frame. NBC Sports' Peter King reported Sunday in his Football Morning In America column that Samuel could be out until October as he rehabs the injury. Samuel shot down the report on Instagram, telling fans not to believe everything they read.
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While the initial timetable for Samuel's recovery was 12 to 16 weeks, Jones fractures are tricky injuries that often require more rehab or even a second surgery. 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor had five surgeries on his fracture and it ultimately forced him to miss the entire 2019 season.
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Samuel's predicted 10-week rehab would put him on track to be ready for Week 1, something that surely would be music to coach Kyle Shanahan's ears. The second-year pro is expected to take over as the 49ers No. 1 receiver this year after Emmanuel Sanders left for the New Orleans Saints in free agency.
The South Carolina product really came on toward the end of his rookie season, and was a key component of the 49ers' offensive attack in their Super Bowl LIV loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, catching five passes for 39 yards and setting a Super Bowl record for rushing yards for a receiver with 53.
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Samuel led all wide receivers in missed tackles forced with 25, and he was expected to take a big leap during his second NFL season. Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson has heaped praise on Samuel and recently-retired Joe Staley claimed Samuel could become the best wide receiver in the NFL.
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If Samuel can't return by Week 1, then the 49ers will need Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Hurd, Jauan Jennings and Taylor to step up in his absence in order for the offense to be as efficient as it was in 2019.
How successful Samuel's rehab is will go a long way in determining the success of the 49ers' 2020 Revenge Tour. San Francisco's roster is loaded and the team is primed to win now. But quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will need another go-to receiver outside of tight end George Kittle in order to keep defenses from keying in against the 49ers' vaunted run game.
The 49ers can't rush Samuel back. But they also can't be without him deep into the season, either.
