Deebo

Samuel Sr.

Kyle Shanahan told reporters Purdy was dealing with soreness in his throwing shoulder earlier this week. He underwent an MRI and GM John Lynch gave reporters a mixed message. He said the team “feels good about where it is” after the MRI but the situation remained “tenuous.” The fact that Purdy was unable to practice in any capacity on Friday and didn’t even get a token questionable tag feels more than ominous for his rest-of-season outlook. For now, Brandon Allen will draw the start in his place. Purdy’s absence is disastrous for all of the pass-catchers this week, though it’s hard to suggest benching any of the big names.

Samuel was essentially a non-factor with Jauan Jennings operating as Brock Purdy’s go-to pass catcher. Samuel’s short-area usage may be limiting the 28-year-old player, who remains intimidating but has perhaps lost a step as a post-catch dominator. His 4.4-yard aDOT is Samuel’s shallowest target depth among his healthy 2024 showings. He is a volatile WR2/3 against the Packers in Week 12.

With Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings both back from injury, there were more mouths to feed in the 49ers’ offense, though Samuel’s eight touches still tied for his most since Week 2. Samuel is pretty consistently handling 2-4 weekly carries, but he has not reached 20 yards rushing since the opener. Not hitting as many big plays as usual, Samuel has just two touchdowns all year. That’s not a situation that’s going to improve with CMC back in the lineup. Samuel is shaping up as more of a mid-range WR2 heading into Week 11 against the Seahawks.

He’ll make his season debut and per ESPN’s Jeff Darlington will be a “full-go today.” Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa are also playing off the questionable tag. Inactive for the 49ers are CB Charvarius Ward, WR Chris Conley, DT Kevin Givens, TE Brayden Willis, OL Ben Bartch, and QB Josh Dobbs as the third quarterback. Conley, Givens, and Ward were ruled out on Friday. Willis and Bartch are healthy scratches.

Samuel was limited in practice throughout the week before being listed as questionable. The 49ers called him day to day before their Week 9 bye, so there was never much doubt about his Week 10 status. Samuel sits at the top of the WR2 ranks for his matchup with a bottom-tier Bucs pass defense.

Samuel remained limited in all three practices this week and while we expect him to play, he is notably at less than 100.0 percent health. Samuel should play efficiently against a banged-up Buccaneers defense regardless though. He is a WR2 for the occasion.

Always limited by something or other in practice, there has been zero indication Samuel’s Week 10 status is actually in doubt. He should be out there on the WR1/2 borderline vs. a really bad Bucs pass D.

While full participation would have been ideal, coming off a bye week, Samuel’s Limited Participant designation is an overall positive sign. Fantasy managers should expect Samuel to suit up for what is expected to be a high-scoring game against the Buccaneers. He is a WR2 for the occasion.

A minor concern is made even smaller by the fact that the 49ers are entering their bye week. They won’t take the field again until Week 10 against the Buccaneers, which should give Samuel more than enough time to recover from his injuries. Samuel seems to have something different troubling him every week. Hopefully he can come out of the bye at close to 100 percent health.

Samuel departed midway through the fourth quarter with a ribs injury and is questionable to return. He came into the weekend listed as questionable after spending two days in the hospital with pneumonia, ultimately suiting up against the Cowboys. He managed to catch 4-of-7 targets for 71 yards and added 15 yards on four carries prior to departing.