49ers hope to get healthier on offense with Deebo Samuel Week 4 return

Game day update: Deebo Samuel is “likely to play” with his calf injury, according to Ian Rapoport.

Following back-to-back losses, the San Francisco 49ers could be getting healthier on offense in Week 4 as they play the New England Patriots. The 49ers fell to the Los Angeles Rams last week as they were down Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel. Kittle is expected to make his return against the Patriots and the 49ers will be hoping for the same with Samuel.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Samuel will be listed as questionable heading into Sunday. Samuel injured his calf in the Week 2 loss against the Minnesota Vikings and did not practice all of last week heading into the game against the Rams. That was not the case this week. While Samuel didn’t practice on Wednesday, he did practice on Thursday and Friday in a limited capacity. Said Samuel via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner,

“I came back feeling pretty good and we went to practice the past two days and still feeling good. So, we’ll just see how it goes ... I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be with the information that I was given and the timeframe fit up pretty well.”

Things are looking positive for Samuel’s return to the 49ers offense in Week 4. He will be a player to monitor on Sunday. Depending on how Samuel’s calf responds to two days of practice and during warm-ups, it could determine whether or not he plays.

Without Samuel last week, wide receiver Jauan Jennings had the performance of a lifetime against the Rams. Jennings had 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the top wide receiver for the week in fantasy football.

However, if Samuel does return to the lineup, it would significantly limit Jennings’ upside, especially with Kittle set to return. Samuel was off to a good start to his season before injuring his calf. Against the Vikings, the 49ers receiver had eight receptions for 110 yards. In Weeks 1 and 2, Samuel was a borderline WR1 and was the WR11 in fantasy football.

Samuel’s return would be a welcomed addition to the 49ers offense. After holding-out all offseason, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has yet to make an impact as he hasn’t eclipsed 50 yards in a game through three weeks. With Samuel’s versatility, he’s also able to give the 49ers some of what Christian McCaffrey does out of the backfield.

The Patriots could provide a difficult challenge for Samuel if he does return. Outside of Week 2 against the Seahawks, the Patriots have done a good job defending opposing wide receivers. The 49ers could also look to ease Samuel into the lineup as to not immediately re-aggravate his calf injury. If Samuel plays, he projects as a player with high-end WR2 upside.