Deebo Samuel’s fractured foot will be one of the most important storylines of the 2020 season for the 49ers.
After suffering Jones’ fractured foot, Samuel said he would be back in 10 weeks, two to six weeks earlier than originally announced. NBC Sports’ Peter King reported in his Football Morning In America column on Sunday that Samuel could be out until October as he recovers from his injury. Samuel shot the report on Instagram, telling fans not to believe everything they read.
Deebo Samuel responds to speculation about Peter King’s report that he may be out until October. # 49ers // # 49wz pic.twitter.com/aDN7OE6RGE
– TheSFNiners (@TheSFNiners) July 20, 2020
While Samuel’s initial recovery schedule was 12 to 16 weeks, Jones’ fractures are delicate injuries that often require more rehabilitation or even a second surgery. 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor underwent five surgeries on his fracture and it ultimately forced him to miss the entire 2019 season.
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Samuel predicted the 10 week rehab would be, but he’s on track to be ready for week 1 which would surely be music to train Kyle Shanahan’s ears. The second-year wide receiver is set 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 did show up towards the end of his rookie season and was a key part of the 49ers’ offensive offense in their Super Bowl LIV loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, catching five assists for 39. yards and setting a Super Bowl record. for rushing yards for a receiver with 53.
Samuel led all wide receivers in forced missed tackles with 25, and he was set to make a big leap in his second season in the NFL. Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson has praised Samuel and recently retired Joe Staley has claimed Samuel could become the NFL’s top wide receiver.
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If Samuel cannot return by Week 1, the 49ers will need Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Hurd, Jauan Jennings and Taylor to step in in his absence to make the attack as effective as it was in 2019.
The success of Samuel’s rehabilitation will go a long way in determining the success of the 49ers’ 2020 Revenge Tour. San Francisco’s roster is loaded and the team are set to win now. But quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will need another receiver besides tight end George Kittle in order to keep defenses from playing against the 49ers’ much-vaunted running game.
The 49ers can’t rush Samuel back. But they also can’t be without him in the depths of the season.
